Former Columbus Zoo CEO pleads guilty to 15 felonies related to theft scandal

Dean Narciso, Columbus Dispatch
Updated ·2 min read
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The former CEO of the Columbus Zoo and Aquarium on Tuesday became the last of a handful of zoo executives to plead guilty in a $2.3 million criminal case involving zoo funds and assets.

Tom Stalf pleaded guilty to 12 felony counts of tampering with records and single counts of theft by deception, conspiracy, and telecommunication fraud during a hearing in Delaware County Common Pleas Court, according to the Ohio Auditor's office.

More on Tom Stalf: Fifth former Columbus Zoo employee charged with theft in $2 million fraud scandal

Stalf also agreed to pay restitution totaling $315,572.65 over and above money paid as part of an earlier settlement in a civil lawsuit. The new restitution covers credit card purchases for personal use, tickets to Ohio State and Columbus Blue Jackets sporting events and concerts, personal golf club incidental purchases, and other improper spending while he was CEO.

Stalf originally faced 36 felony charges and was scheduled to go on trial Aug. 6. He is scheduled for sentencing at 9 a.m. Oct. 14.

Other Columbus zoo executives charged in criminal case

  • Greg Bell, former chief financial officer, pleaded guilty Oct. 19 to 14 felony charges, including aggravated theft, conspiracy and tampering with records. His sentencing is scheduled for Sept. 19.

  • Pete Fingerhut, former marketing director, pleaded guilty July 2 to 16 felonies and one misdemeanor. He is scheduled to be sentenced Sept. 23.

  • Tracy Murnane, former purchasing agent, pleaded guilty July 8 to six felonies and two misdemeanors. He will be sentenced Sept. 23

  • Grant Bell, son of Greg Bell, and former purchasing assistant, faces one count of theft, a fifth-degree felony, according to Delaware County Common Pleas Court records. Prosecutors accuse Bell of using $1,000 to $7,500 of zoo property outside of the scope of its intended purpose, according to court records.

dnarciso@dispatch.com

This article originally appeared on The Columbus Dispatch: Former Columbus Zoo CEO Tom Stalf pleaded guilty to 15 felonies