DELAWARE, Ohio — Tom Stalf, the former chief executive officer of the Columbus Zoo and Aquarium, was sentenced today to seven years in prison for his role in a scheme that defrauded the zoo of over $2.3 million. Ohio Attorney General Dave Yost announced the sentencing, highlighting the betrayal of trust Stalf exhibited during his tenure.
Stalf pleaded guilty on July 23 to 15 felony charges, including aggravated theft, conspiracy, telecommunications fraud, and tampering with records. In a statement, Yost condemned Stalf’s actions, stating, “The zoo has long been a crown jewel of Central Ohio, but this pretender stole the jewels right out of that crown. Cages can hold more than zoo animals.”
As CEO, Stalf exploited his position to enrich himself, his family, and friends through fraudulent activities. Alongside him, two other former executives, Marketing Director Pete Fingerhut and Chief Financial Officer Greg Bell, were indicted on September 18, 2023, for manipulating credit card and check authorization forms over a decade. This misuse of public funds was not limited to Stalf and his associates; two additional former zoo employees have also faced charges since the initial indictment.
The embezzled funds were reportedly spent on extravagant personal expenses unrelated to the zoo, including concert and sporting event tickets, golf memberships, travel, meals, and even motor vehicles.
In their sentencing memorandum, prosecutors emphasized the failure of Stalf and his co-conspirators to uphold their fiduciary responsibilities to the zoo and the public. “Leaders of charities and nonprofits in Ohio undertake the responsibility to support the charitable missions of the organizations they lead,” the memo stated.
Stalf has been ordered to pay $315,572.65 in restitution to the Columbus Zoo, the state of Ohio, and the Internal Revenue Service, in addition to $400,000 already paid on his behalf.
Among the other charged individuals, Greg Bell received a three-year prison sentence and must pay $583,697.44 in restitution. Former purchasing agent Tracy Murnane was sentenced to 60 days in jail followed by three years of probation, while Grant Bell, a former purchasing assistant and son of Greg Bell, received two years of probation and must pay $8,554.61 in restitution. Fingerhut is scheduled for sentencing on October 28.
The Ohio Attorney General’s Special Prosecutions Section led the case, with assistance from the Ohio Auditor’s Office and the request of Delaware County Prosecutor Melissa Schiffel.
