A Pennsylvania man has been charged with nearly 500 offenses related to the disturbance of graves, authorities announced.

Jonathan Gerlach, 34, was taken into custody on January 6 at Mount Moriah Cemetery in Yeadon, according to a statement released by the Delaware County District Attorney’s Office. The office detailed numerous allegations against Gerlach, highlighting the gravity of the charges.

Detectives observed Gerlach, a resident of Ephrata, leaving the cemetery carrying a burlap bag, a crowbar, and various other items. This observation came during a surveillance operation initiated in response to a series of grave and mausoleum burglaries that began in November 2025.

Authorities noted that they had a clear view of bones and skulls stacked in the backseat of Gerlach’s vehicle, providing crucial evidence in their investigation.

Authorities first spotted the backseat of Gerlach’s car, where they allegedly had a clear view of piled up bones and skulls. 

While Gerlach allegedly admitted to stealing approximately 30 sets of human remains, police claimed the extent of his crimes goes much deeper. 

After a search warrant was issued for Gerlach’s home, prosecutors said multiple law enforcement agencies investigated his residence and storage unit. 

Authorities allege they uncovered more than 100 full or partial sets of human and skeletal remains across the properties. 

“Detectives walked into a horror movie come to life in that home. It is truly, in the most literal sense of the word, horrific,” District Attorney Tanner Rouse said in a Jan. 8 press conference, per the statement. “I grieve for those who are upset by this. Who are going through this. Who are trying to figure out if it is, in fact, one of their loved ones.” 

In the aftermath, Gerlach now faces the following charges:

• Burglary – Not Adapted for Overnight Accommodation, No Person Present (F1) – 26 counts
• Criminal Trespass – Enter Structure (F3) – 26 counts
• Criminal Trespass – Enter Structure (F2) – 26 counts
• Abuse of Corpse (M2) – 100 counts
• Theft By Unlawful Taking (F3) – 100 counts
• Receiving Stolen Property (F3) – 100 counts
• Intentional Desecration of Public Monument (M2) – 26 counts
• Intentional Desecration of Venerated Object (M2) – 26 counts
• Intentional Desecration of Historic Lots and Burial Places (M1) – 26 counts
• Criminal Mischief – Damage Property (M3) – 26 counts
• Defiant Trespasser (S) – 7 counts

Gerlach has a preliminary hearing scheduled for Jan. 20. His bond was set at $1 million cash, and he’s currently remanded to George W. Hill Correctional Facility.