In a disturbing case that has rocked Pennsylvania, a funeral home director has been charged with defrauding thousands of grieving pet owners by dumping their animals’ remains and returning fake ashes in exchange for money.
According to the Pennsylvania Attorney General’s Office, Jacob Vereb, owner of Vereb Funeral Home and Eternity Pet Memorial in Pittsburgh, is accused of taking over $650,000 from clients who believed they were paying for proper pet cremation or burial services. Instead, investigators say that from 2021 to 2024, Vereb disposed of the animals in a landfill and gave customers the ashes of other, unidentified animals.
Attorney General Dave Sunday called the scheme devastating, stating that more than 6,500 victims have already been identified across Allegheny, Armstrong, Washington, and Westmoreland counties. “Our pets are members of our families,” Sunday said. “This defendant betrayed and agonized pet owners who entrusted him to provide dignified services for their beloved cats and dogs.”
In response to the growing number of impacted individuals, the Attorney General’s Office has launched an official website to assist victims. Those who believe they may be affected can submit their contact details, share how they were impacted, and stay informed as the case moves forward.
The investigation was supported by nearly a dozen veterinary clinics and businesses who verified that Vereb received substantial fees for services that were never properly delivered. These pet remains came either directly from clients or through local vet offices who partnered with Eternity Pet Memorial.
Vereb, 70, turned himself in on Monday and has been charged with multiple felony counts, including theft by deception, receiving stolen property, and deceptive business practices. He was arraigned and released on his own recognizance. Authorities noted that the investigation remains ongoing and additional charges could follow as more victims come forward.
For heartbroken pet owners who believed they were honoring their beloved animals, this revelation has sparked not only outrage but deep emotional trauma. Many had trusted that their pets were treated with dignity and respect in their final moments. Instead, they are now left questioning what really happened to the animals they loved so dearly.
This case continues to unfold, and the search for justice is far from over.
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