DELAWARE COUNTY, Ohio — The former CEO of the Columbus Zoo and Aquarium was sentenced to seven years in prison for his role in misusing zoo funds and resources.
Tom Stalf accepted a plea agreement in July and pleaded guilty to 15 felonies:
- One count of aggravated theft
- One count of conspiracy
- One count of telecommunications fraud
- 12 counts of tampering with records
He and three other former zoo executives were accused of having defrauded the zoo of at least $2.3 million and used the money for personal benefits. 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.
Former marketing director Pete Fingerhut and former Chief Financial Officer Greg Bell were accused of manipulating credit card and check authorization forms for over a decade and using the zoo's public funds for personal use.
Two other employees — Tracy Murnane and Greg Bell's son Grant — were also charged.
The Columbus Zoo conducted an internal investigation and found that:
- Stalf is responsible for $423,049.00 in losses, plus interest
- Bell is responsible for $138,889.00 in losses, plus interest
- Fingerhut is responsible for $56,981.00 in losses, plus interest
- Murnane is responsible for $12,732.00 in losses, plus interest
As part of his plea agreement, Stalf will pay $315,572.65 in criminal damages to the Columbus Zoo, the state of Ohio and the IRS. This is in addition to the $400,000 he already made to the zoo.
All but Fingerhut have been sentenced.
- Greg Bell was sentenced to three years in prison and ordered to pay $583,697,44 in criminal restitution.
- 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 pleaded guilty and was sentenced to two years of probation and ordered to pay $8,554.61 in criminal restitution.
Fingerhut is scheduled to be sentenced on Oct. 28.