FUNERAL HOME OWNER IS ACCUSED OF DUPING THOUSANDS OF CUSTOMERS WHO CAME TO HIM FOR PET BURIAL AND CREMATION SERVICES. THE STATE ATTORNEY GENERAL, DAVE SUNDAY, SAYS THAT SOME OF THE PET’S REMAINS WERE DUMPED IN A LANDFILL AND SOME GOT ASHES OF OTHER ANIMALS. HE ALSO ANNOUNCED THE ARREST OF PATRICK. VEREB OF PITTSBURGH, WHO RUNS THE FAIR FUNERAL HOME AND ETERNITY PET MEMORIAL. HE’S ACCUSED OF TAKING MORE THAN $650,000 FROM CUSTOMERS. SO FAR, WE’VE BEEN ABLE TO IDENTIFY OVER 6500 VICTIMS. IN THIS CASE. CONSIDERING THE NUMBER OF PENNSYLVANIANS WHO WERE IMPACTED BY THE SCHEME, IT WOULD BE IMPOSSIBLE TO PROVIDE TIMELY UPDATES TO THOSE VICTIMS AS THE CASE PROGRESSES. MY OFFICE HAS ESTABLISHED A WEBSITE AND EMAIL ADDRESS FOR VICTIMS TO RECEIVE THOSE UPDATES AND ASK QUESTIONS ABOUT THEIR CASES, AND TO FIND OUT IF THEIR PET MAY HAVE BEEN AFFECTED AND VEREB WAS ARRAIGNED EARLIER TODAY, LATER RELEASED ON HIS OWN RECOGNIZANCE. RESOURCES FOR THOSE WHO MAY HAVE
Pittsburgh funeral home owner allegedly dumped pets in landfill after charging for cremations
A Pittsburgh funeral home owner is accused of stealing hundreds of thousands of dollars from people who paid for pet burial and cremation services. According to the Attorney General, thousands of dogs and cats were improperly disposed of after their owners paid for cremations, burials and other services.Those services were to be provided by Vereb Funeral Home and Eternity Pet Memorial, owned by 70-year-old Patrick Vereb.Those services amounted to more than $650,000 between 2021 and 2024, according to officials.An investigation revealed Vereb would take money in exchange for services then dump many of the pets at a landfill and give customers ashes with other or unknown animals. More than 6,500 victims have already been identified. The Attorney General's Office states those victims are from multiple Western Pennsylvania counties, including Allegheny, Washington and Westmoreland County. According to officials, the pets were given to Eternity Pet Memorial directly from those who purchased services or through area veterinarians. ”This case is disturbing, and will cause devastation and heartache for many Pennsylvanians,” Attorney General Dave Sunday said. “Our pets are members of our families, and this defendant betrayed and agonized pet owners who entrusted him to provide dignified services for their beloved cats and dogs.”The Attorney General's Office has set up a website for victims to share contact information, as well as statements.
A Pittsburgh funeral home owner is accused of stealing hundreds of thousands of dollars from people who paid for pet burial and cremation services.
According to the Attorney General, thousands of dogs and cats were improperly disposed of after their owners paid for cremations, burials and other services.
Those services were to be provided by Vereb Funeral Home and Eternity Pet Memorial, owned by 70-year-old Patrick Vereb.
Those services amounted to more than $650,000 between 2021 and 2024, according to officials.
An investigation revealed Vereb would take money in exchange for services then dump many of the pets at a landfill and give customers ashes with other or unknown animals.
More than 6,500 victims have already been identified. The Attorney General's Office states those victims are from multiple Western Pennsylvania counties, including Allegheny, Washington and Westmoreland County.
According to officials, the pets were given to Eternity Pet Memorial directly from those who purchased services or through area veterinarians.
”This case is disturbing, and will cause devastation and heartache for many Pennsylvanians,” Attorney General Dave Sunday said. “Our pets are members of our families, and this defendant betrayed and agonized pet owners who entrusted him to provide dignified services for their beloved cats and dogs.”
The Attorney General's Office has set up a website for victims to share contact information, as well as statements.
