Pittsburgh funeral home owner Patrick Vereb, 70, has been charged with defrauding more than 6,500 customers by mishandling pet remains and collecting over $650,000 between 2021 and 2024.
Authorities allege that Vereb, of Vereb Funeral Home and Eternity Pet Memorial, dumped animals in a landfill and returned ashes of unknown origin to pet owners.
“To make them feel good for the day if nothing else,” he told investigators, according to a criminal complaint. “I don’t know who or what remains I have,” said customer Dawn Elder. Vereb faces 10 criminal counts, including theft and deceptive practices.
He surrendered Monday and was released. “This case is disturbing,” said Attorney General Dave Sunday in a statement.