COLUMBUS, Ohio — The Columbus Zoo and Aquarium's former marketing director was sentenced Monday to five years in prison for his role in misusing zoo funds and resources.
Pete Fingerhut, three other former zoo executives and a former purchasing assistant for the zoo were accused of having defrauded the zoo of at least $2.3 million. State investigators said the money was spent on suites and tickets to concerts and sporting events, golf memberships, trips to other states and countries, food, alcohol and motor vehicles.
Fingerhut was accused of manipulating credit card and check authorization forms for over a decade and using the zoo's public funds for personal use.
He initially pleaded not guilty in October 2023 to 62 felony charges and one misdemeanor charge.
In July, Fingerhut changed his plea and pleaded guilty to 16 felony counts and one misdemeanor. The charges include one count of aggravated theft, one count of conspiracy, 11 counts of tampering with records, three counts of telecommunications fraud and one count of falsification.
He is responsible for $56,981.00 in losses, plus interest.
In court on Monday, Fingerhut sobbed while delivering his statement and apology to the court.
"Your honor, I accept full responsibility of this case and make no excuses for the crimes I've committed. There are none," Fingerhut said.
He was sentenced to five years for his role in the fraud case. As a part of the sentence, Fingerhut will pay $639,297.33 in criminal restitution to the zoo, the State of Ohio and the Internal Revenue Service.
“Pete Fingerhut caused his own downfall by creating a culture of self-indulgence instead of public service,” Ohio Attorney General Dave Yost said in a statement following the sentencing. “His prison sentence shuts the book on an extensive public corruption case, which should serve as a warning to those who abuse the public’s trust.”
Earlier this month, former CEO of the zoo, Tom Stalf, was sentenced to seven years in prison for his role in the case. He was handed the harshest punishment so far, but his attorneys said it was fair. Stalf is responsible for $423,049.00 in losses, plus interest
“He was a CEO, he realized what was going on, he should have stopped it, he should have changed it,” said attorney Mark Collins.
The zoo's former chief financial officer, Greg Bell, was sentenced to three years in prison and ordered to pay $583,697,44 in criminal restitution. Former Purchasing Director Tracy Murnane was sentenced to 60 days in jail and three years of probation. He was also ordered to pay $101,000 in civil and criminal restitution.
Grant Bell, a former purchasing assistant for the zoo and son of the chief financial officer, pleaded guilty to one count of theft earlier this year. He was sentenced to two years of probation and ordered to pay $8,554.61 in criminal restitution.