HARRISBURG, Pa. (EYT) — Pennsylvania Attorney General Dave Sunday has filed charges against Patrick Vereb, the owner of Vereb Funeral Home and Eternity Pet Memorial in Pittsburgh, in connection with a widespread cremation scam that defrauded thousands of pet owners out of more than $650,000.
Between 2021 and 2024, Vereb allegedly accepted payments for pet cremation and burial services, only to discard animals in landfills while returning fake ashes to grieving families. According to the Attorney General’s investigation, ashes provided to customers often came from other unidentified animals, not their beloved pets.
Vereb, 70, turned himself in on Monday and faces multiple felony charges, including theft by deception, receiving stolen property, and deceptive business practices. He was arraigned and released on his own recognizance.
The investigation uncovered more than 6,500 victims from Allegheny, Armstrong, Washington, and Westmoreland counties. Nearly a dozen veterinary offices and animal-related businesses confirmed that Vereb collected at least $657,517 for services that were never properly rendered.
“This case is disturbing and heartbreaking,” said AG Sunday. “Our pets are family, and Mr. Vereb exploited that bond. The pain he caused these families is unimaginable.”
To support victims and gather additional information, the Office of Attorney General has launched a dedicated webpage: www.attorneygeneral.gov/epm. The site allows users to submit their information, share personal statements, and receive updates on the case.
Senior Deputy Attorney General Kara Rice and Deputy Attorney General Aaron McKendry will prosecute the case.
