Cemetery Seeks Donations for Security Following Vandalism

Mount Moriah Cemetery is seeking donations to perform critical security upgrades after an Ephrata man is alleged to have stolen skeletons and desecrated graves at the cemetery.

According to NBC10 Philadelphia, police arrested Jonathan Gerlach, 34, of Ephrata, on allegations that claim he stole more than 100 skeletons from cemeteries in Delaware County, Philadelphia, and Luzerne County. Officials claim Gerlach burglarized or desecrated 26 mausoleums and underground burial sites.

John R. Schmehl Jr., president of the Friends of Mount Moriah Cemetery, took to social media to announce plans to address security at the cemetery, which borders Delaware and Philadelphia counties. Schmehl himself has a family legacy at the cemetery. He stated that the cemetery's friends group was already working to "address these violations of our sacred space."

The Friends of Mount Moriah Cemetery said they would expand surveillance camera coverage and repair fencing to deter future vandalism, including along 61st Street, 63rd Street, Kingsessing Avenue, and near the SEPTA loop. The group is also planning "random hours" patrols at the cemetery to thwart any unauthorized activity.

To fund these security upgrades, the group is seeking donations to offset its costs. NBC10 Philadelphia reported that the group has already spent $20,000. Funds are also needed to repair the mausoleums and gravesites targeted by vandalism, as well as $9,000 for materials to repair one section of fencing.

For more information on the Friends of Mount Moriah Cemetery or to donate to support the security upgrades and repairs, visit the group's website or email the group.