Former Ohio zoo CEO sentenced to prison in $2.3M fraud case

COLUMBUS, Ohio (WCMH) — The former CEO of the Columbus Zoo and Aquarium received his sentence Monday after pleading guilty to 15 felony charges in the theft of nearly $2.3 million.

In July, Tom Stalf admitted to 12 counts of tampering with records and counts of theft by deception, conspiracy and telecommunication fraud, according to Ohio Auditor Keith Faber. He is one of five former Zoo officials involved in an investigation of the theft of over $2.29 million.

On Monday, a Delaware County Court of Common Pleas judge sentenced Stalf to serve seven years in prison, with a mandatory 18-to-36 months of community control upon his release. Stalf had also previously agreed to pay restitution in the amount of $315,572.65

Stalf initially pleaded not guilty in October to the charges implicating him in the misuse of nearly $2.3 million in Zoo funds. He was initially scheduled to begin jury trial on Aug. 6, according to court documents.

Stalf and other Zoo executives were accused of using their positions to attend sporting events, offer housing to family and other personal uses. Stalf, who was originally facing 36 total charges, was specifically accused of using Zoo funds to purchase a personal RV for $45,000.

Five former Columbus Zoo executives have all pleaded guilty to stealing nearly $2.3 million from the Columbus Zoo. (Courtesy/Ohio Attorney General’s Office)

In addition to Stalf, former purchasing agent Tracy Murnane, 65, of Westerville, pleaded guilty to eight charges, including grand theft, telecommunications fraud, and forgery. Murnane was sentenced to two months in jail last month.

Former marketing director Pete Fingerhut pleaded guilty to multiple felony charges. His jury trial was slated to begin on July 9 after his initial October plea of not guilty. Fingerhut is scheduled for a sentencing hearing Oct. 28.

And Greg Bell pleaded guilty to one charge each of conspiracy and theft and 12 of tampering with records. He was sentenced to three years in prison for his role in the scandal.

Last month, the last of the five former Columbus Zoo officials involved in the investigation, Grant Bell, also received his sentence.

They all have been ordered to pay full restitution in the following amounts: