In a disturbing case that has rocked Pennsylvania, a funeral house director has been charged with defrauding hundreds of grieving pet homeowners by dumping their animals’ stays and returning faux ashes in trade for cash.
In keeping with the Pennsylvania Lawyer Basic’s Workplace, Jacob Vereb, proprietor of Vereb Funeral Residence and Eternity Pet Memorial in Pittsburgh, is accused of taking up $650,000 from shoppers who believed they have been paying for correct pet cremation or burial companies. As an alternative, investigators say that from 2021 to 2024, Vereb disposed of the animals in a landfill and gave clients the ashes of different, unidentified animals.
Lawyer Basic Dave Sunday referred to as the scheme devastating, stating that greater than 6,500 victims have already been recognized throughout Allegheny, Armstrong, Washington, and Westmoreland counties. “Our pets are members of our households,” Sunday stated. “This defendant betrayed and agonized pet homeowners who entrusted him to supply dignified companies for his or her beloved cats and canines.”
In response to the rising variety of impacted people, the Lawyer Basic’s Workplace has launched an official web site to help victims. Those that consider they might be affected can submit their contact particulars, share how they have been impacted, and keep knowledgeable because the case strikes ahead.
The investigation was supported by almost a dozen veterinary clinics and companies who verified that Vereb acquired substantial charges for companies that have been by no means correctly delivered. These pet stays got here both straight from shoppers or by native vet places of work who partnered with Eternity Pet Memorial.
Vereb, 70, turned himself in on Monday and has been charged with a number of felony counts, together with theft by deception, receiving stolen property, and misleading enterprise practices. He was arraigned and launched on his personal recognizance. Authorities famous that the investigation stays ongoing and extra prices may observe as extra victims come ahead.
For heartbroken pet homeowners who believed they have been honoring their beloved animals, this revelation has sparked not solely outrage however deep emotional trauma. Many had trusted that their pets have been handled with dignity and respect of their ultimate moments. As an alternative, they’re now left questioning what actually occurred to the animals they cherished so dearly.
This case continues to unfold, and the seek for justice is way from over.
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