SCRANTON, PA — A Thompson man learned his fate in federal court Monday for his lead role in a macabre nationwide network that trafficked stolen human remains. Chief U.S. District Judge Matthew W. Brann sentenced Jeremy Pauley, 43, to 72 months (6 years) in prison.
Pauley’s sentencing follows a sprawling federal investigation into a black market for cadaver parts stolen from Harvard Medical School and a mortuary in Arkansas. In addition to his prison term, Pauley was ordered to pay a $2,000 fine and will serve three years of supervised release.
A "Heinous" Nationwide Network
According to U.S. Attorney Brian D. Miller, Pauley acted as a central hub for the buying and selling of stolen organs and cadaver parts. The investigation revealed a disturbing chain of events occurring between 2018 and 2022:
The Source: Cedric Lodge, a former morgue manager at Harvard, stole parts of cadavers donated for research before they could be cremated. Lodge even allowed buyers to enter the Harvard morgue to "hand-select" remains.
The Arkansas Connection: Pauley also purchased remains from Candace Chapman Scott, who stole parts from an Arkansas crematorium, including the bodies of two stillborn babies intended for return to their families.
The Profits: Pauley and another associate, Matthew Lampi, exchanged over $100,000 in online payments as they traded the stolen goods across state lines.
Justice for Grieving Families
"The trafficking of stolen human remains... is a disturbing act that victimizes already grieving families," said Christopher Nielsen of the Postal Inspection Service. FBI officials added that the sentencing is a critical step in holding those responsible for the "heinous" crimes accountable.
Other Sentencings in the Case
Pauley is one of several defendants convicted in the scheme. Other notable sentences include:
Cedric Lodge (Harvard Morgue Manager): 96 months (8 years)
Candace Chapman Scott (Arkansas Mortuary Thief): 15 years
Matthew Lampi: 15 months
Denise Lodge: 12 months and a day
Two other defendants, Joshua Taylor and Katrina Maclean, are currently awaiting their sentencing dates.