Mon May 05 05:00:00 UTC 2025: ## Pittsburgh Funeral Home Director Charged with Pet Cremation Fraud, Defrauding Hundreds of Clients

**Pittsburgh, PA** – A Pittsburgh funeral home director has been arrested and charged with defrauding hundreds of pet owners out of over $650,000. Jacob Vereb, 70, owner of Vereb Funeral Home and Eternity Pet Memorial, is accused of disposing of thousands of animal remains in a landfill while providing owners with the ashes of other animals, falsely claiming to have performed private cremations.

Pennsylvania Attorney General Dave Sunday announced the charges on Monday, stating that Vereb’s actions constitute a “disturbing betrayal” of pet owners who entrusted him with their beloved companions. The investigation, spanning from 2021 to 2024, revealed that Vereb collected fees for cremation services but instead disposed of thousands of cats and dogs at a landfill, then returned the ashes of unrelated animals to grieving owners.

Over 6,500 victims have been identified across four Pennsylvania counties: Allegheny, Armstrong, Washington, and Westmoreland. The Attorney General’s office has launched a website to assist victims in reporting their experiences, sharing impact statements, and receiving updates on the case. The website will also help individuals determine if they were affected by the alleged fraud.

The investigation involved collaboration with nearly a dozen veterinary practices, confirming that Vereb collected at least $657,517 in fraudulent fees. Vereb was charged with felony counts of theft by deception, receiving stolen property, and deceptive business practices. He surrendered on Monday and was released on his own recognizance. The investigation remains ongoing. Attorney General Sunday emphasized the emotional distress caused to victims, stating, “Our pets are members of our families, and this defendant betrayed and agonized pet owners who entrusted him.”

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