COLUMBUS, Ohio — The son of the Columbus Zoo and Aquarium’s former chief financial officer was sentenced Monday in connection to a $2.2 million fraud investigation.
A judge sentenced Grant Bell, a former purchasing assistant for the zoo, to no more than two years of community control. He is also ordered to pay a $1,000 fine and $8,554 in restitution to the zoo and the Ohio Auditor.
Grant pleaded guilty to one count of theft earlier this year. He is the son of Greg Bell, who pleaded guilty in October to 14 felony charges, including aggravated theft, conspiracy and tampering with records. Greg was sentenced to three years in prison was ordered to pay back more than $580,000.
Grant worked closely with Tracy Murnane, who pleaded guilty to felony charges of grand theft, complicity in the commission of an offense, forgery, telecommunications fraud and filing incomplete, false and fraudulent tax returns. Murnane has to pay $90,000 in restitution after accepting a plea agreement. He is scheduled to be sentenced on Sept. 23.
Grant was the fifth and final defendant to be charged in the investigation.
Tom Stalf, the zoo’s former chief executive officer, pleaded guilty to 15 felonies earlier this year. He is scheduled to be sentenced next month.
Pete Fingerhut, the former zoo marketing director, pleaded guilty to 16 felony charges and one misdemeanor. He will be sentenced on Sept. 23.
The defendants are alleged to have defrauded the zoo of more than $2.29 million and used the money for personal benefits.
If Grant violates any of the terms of his community control, he could face a longer and more restrictive sanction and up to 12 months in prison.