Pennsylvania Funeral Director Charged with Defrauding 6,500 Pet Owners

Patrick Vereb, owner of Vereb Funeral Home and Eternity Pet Memorial in the Pittsburgh area, has been charged with multiple felonies after allegedly defrauding over 6,500 pet owners by promising cremation or burial services for their pets but instead dumping many animal bodies in a landfill and returning ashes from unknown sources. Prosecutors say Vereb collected at least $650,000 from grieving customers between 2021 and 2024, offering fake ashes and betraying the trust of families seeking dignified treatment for their pets. An investigation, aided by veterinary practices and a whistleblower intern, uncovered a long-running pattern of theft and deception, with some smaller pets never being cremated and larger pets' cremains divided among multiple clients. The Pennsylvania Attorney General described the case as 'disturbing' and has launched a website to help victims receive updates and share their stories. Vereb has been arraigned and awaits a preliminary hearing, facing charges including theft by deception, receiving stolen property, and deceptive business practices. The scheme has caused widespread heartbreak and outrage in the affected communities.