Pittsburgh funeral director swindles pet owners and dumps remains

In Pennsylvania, Patrick Roy Vereb, the owner of Vereb Funeral Home and Eternity Pet Memorial, surrendered himself to law enforcement following multiple felony charges on April 28, 2024. He is accused of stealing over $650,000 from pet owners who had entrusted him with the burial and cremation of their beloved pets between 2021 and 2024. Instead of providing the promised services, Vereb allegedly disposed of the animals' remains in a landfill and returned the ashes of unidentified animals to their owners, causing significant emotional distress and betrayal among the victims. An investigation by the state's Attorney General uncovered a disturbing pattern of deceitful practices where more than 6,500 pet owners from various counties believed they were paying for private cremation services. However, these services were never fulfilled as promised. The Attorney General's office expressed deep concern over the betrayal experienced by these grieving pet owners, highlighting that their pets are cherished family members. The number of victims included numerous veterinary practices that had worked with Vereb for cremation services in the past. As a response to the overwhelming emotional toll this scandal has taken, the Attorney General's office set up a webpage to assist those who may have been affected. This platform allows potential victims to submit their contact information, provide impact statements, and receive updates on the legal proceedings against Vereb. The severity of the situation has garnered attention across the local community, with several animal rescue organizations and veterinary clinics publicly expressing their condemnation of Vereb's actions. Local reactions have revealed skepticism about the practices at Vereb's funeral home. A former intern recounted firsthand observations of unsanitary and unprofessional conduct, including improper record-keeping and mishandling of cremated remains. The turmoil has left a lasting impact not only on pet owners who sought closure through dignified services but also on the local community and businesses that worked with Vereb. Following his arraignment, Vereb was released on his own recognizance, and a preliminary hearing is scheduled for May 9, 2024, as the case continues to unfold.