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Pittsburgh Funeral Home Director Accused of Discarding Thousands of Pets, Defrauding Owners
Pittsburgh, PA – A local funeral home director faces felony charges after allegedly discarding the remains of thousands of pets and returning the ashes of other animals to grieving owners. Jacob Vereb, 70, owner of Vereb Funeral Home and Eternity Pet Memorial, is accused of defrauding pet owners of over $650,000 between 2021 and 2024.
Pennsylvania Attorney General Dave Sunday announced the charges on Monday, stating that Vereb accepted payment for private cremations and other pet memorial services but instead disposed of many animals in a landfill. He then allegedly provided clients with the ashes of unknown animals.
While Vereb’s funeral home also handled human remains, the charges currently relate only to the alleged pet cremation fraud. The investigation, which remains ongoing, has identified over 6,500 potential victims across Allegheny, Armstrong, Washington, and Westmoreland counties.
“This case is disturbing, and will cause devastation and heartache for many Pennsylvanians,” Attorney General Sunday said. He emphasized the deep bond between people and their pets, stating that Vereb “betrayed and agonized pet owners who entrusted him to provide dignified services.”
The Attorney General’s Office has launched a website to assist those affected. Pet owners can provide contact information, share victim impact statements, and receive updates on the case. The website also helps individuals determine if they might be victims of this alleged scheme.
Authorities worked with nearly a dozen veterinary practices and businesses to confirm the extent of the alleged fraud. These collaborations helped establish that Vereb collected at least $657,517 in fees for private cremations that were never performed. Eternity Pet Memorial received the pets directly from owners or through area veterinarians.
Vereb surrendered to authorities on Monday and was arraigned on felony counts of theft by deception, receiving stolen property, and deceptive business practices. He was released on his own recognizance.