Allegations and Charges
Patrick Vereb, owner of Vereb Funeral Home and Eternity Pet Memorial in , is accused of deceiving over 6,500 pet owners by not cremating their pets as promised and instead providing ashes from other animals or disposing of the pets' bodies in a landfill.
Vereb faces felony charges for theft by deception, receiving stolen property, and deceptive business practices, with allegations stating he defrauded customers out of at least $657,517 between 2021 and 2024.
Impact and Response
The Pennsylvania Attorney General's Office has identified a vast number of victims across several counties, prompting the launch of a website for affected pet owners to share their experiences and receive updates on the case.
The case has drawn attention to similar incidents in other states, highlighting a troubling pattern of pet memorial fraud, with Vereb's next court appearance scheduled for May 9.