Attorney General Dave Sunday has announced charges against Patrick Vereb, the owner of Pittsburgh-based Vereb Funeral Home and Eternity Pet Memorial. Vereb is accused of defrauding over 6,500 pet owners who paid for pet burial and cremation services, collecting more than $650,000 between 2021 and 2024.
The investigation by the Office of the Attorney General suggests that Vereb offered private cremation services but instead reportedly disposed of many pets at a landfill, returning ashes from other unidentified animals to customers. "This case is disturbing and will cause devastation and heartache for many Pennsylvanians," Attorney General Sunday stated.
Charges against Vereb include felony counts of theft by deception, receiving stolen property, and deceptive business practices. Vereb, 70, has surrendered and been arraigned. The investigation revealed a large number of victims across Allegheny, Armstrong, Washington, and Westmoreland counties.
In response to the widespread impact, the Office of the Attorney General has launched a website (www.attorneygeneral.gov/epm) to assist victims. Victims can input contact details, describe their experiences, and stay updated on the case through this website.
The investigation was supported by nearly a dozen veterinary practices and businesses, with evidence showing Vereb collected at least $657,517 in fees while failing to return the promised pet remains. Eternity Pet Memorial obtained pets directly from consumers or through local veterinarians.
Senior Deputy Attorney General Kara Rice and Deputy Attorney General Aaron McKendry will prosecute the case. It is essential to note that criminal charges are allegations, and defendants remain innocent until proven otherwise.