By: Connie Cao

The scheme of selling body parts at Harvard started in 2018 and ended in 2023. With the tip of an ex-lover’s man, detectives were able to arrest a former manager at Harvard Medical School, his wife, and three other people who helped in the theft. Many are questioning if the thieves are guilty or not guilty.

Cedric Lodge, age 55, stole and sold portions of one human body to Harvard. The theft was committed without the consent or knowledge of the school, authorities declared. Lodge usually took body parts such as the head, brain, skin, and bone. Then he brought them back home, where he and his wife, Denise, 63, packaged them and mailed them to the school.

Lodge made a massive profit as Harvard medical school needed the body parts for education, teaching, or research. If the body parts are unnecessary, the school will bury them in a cemetery.

The other three involved in the crime include Katrina Maclean, 44, Joshua Taylor, 46, and Mathew Lampi, 52.

Most of the time, Lodge communicated with them through social networks or telephone calls.

Sometimes Taylor transported stolen body parts by mail to Lodge.

However, the question is: How has the school reacted? Will Lodge be charged for his crimes?

Students at Harvard are furious about the crime. They call it “a loathsome betrayal” and believe Lodge should get fired (which eventually happens).

“We are appalled to learn that something so disturbing could happen on our campus — a community dedicated to healing and serving others,” the deans wrote.

Now, a court order has been issued. Denise Lodge will make her first appearance on Wednesday in federal court.