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.
Based on the Pennsylvania Legal professional Normal’s Workplace, Jacob Vereb, proprietor of Vereb Funeral Residence and Eternity Pet Memorial in Pittsburgh, is accused of taking on $650,000 from purchasers who believed they have been paying for correct pet cremation or burial providers. As an alternative, investigators say that from 2021 to 2024, Vereb disposed of the animals in a landfill and gave prospects the ashes of different, unidentified animals.
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Legal professional Normal Dave Sunday known 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 families,” Sunday mentioned. “This defendant betrayed and agonized pet owners who entrusted him to provide dignified services for their beloved cats and dogs.”
In response to the rising variety of impacted people, the Legal professional Normal’s Workplace has launched an official web site to help victims. Those that imagine they could 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 practically a dozen veterinary clinics and companies who verified that Vereb acquired substantial charges for providers that have been by no means correctly delivered. These pet stays got here both instantly from purchasers or by way of 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 fees might 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 remaining moments. As an alternative, they’re now left questioning what actually occurred to the animals they beloved so dearly.
This case continues to unfold, and the seek for justice is much from over.
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