Delaware, OH — Greg Bell, the former chief financial officer of the Columbus Zoo and Aquarium, was sentenced to three years in prison today for his involvement in a scheme that defrauded the zoo of at least $2.3 million. Ohio Attorney General Dave Yost announced the sentence, emphasizing the gravity of Bell’s offenses.
“Greg Bell succumbed to the temptation of personal gain at the zoo’s expense,” Yost said. “Today’s sentence serves as a stern warning to anyone who would exploit public trust for their own benefit.”
In addition to his prison term, Bell was ordered by Delaware County Common Pleas Judge David Gormley to pay $583,697.44 in criminal restitution. Bell had already agreed to make separate civil restitution payments to the zoo.
Bell’s sentencing follows a comprehensive investigation led by the Ohio Attorney General’s Office and the Ohio Auditor’s Office. The investigation revealed that Bell was part of a larger scheme involving misuse of zoo funds for personal enrichment. Bell had pleaded guilty on October 19, 2023, to 14 felony charges, including aggravated theft, conspiracy, and tampering with records.
As part of his plea agreement, Bell has committed to cooperating with the ongoing investigation and providing testimony against other implicated zoo executives. Former zoo Chief Executive Officer Tom Stalf, former marketing director Pete Fingerhut, and former purchasing agent Tracy Murnane have also pleaded guilty, with their sentencing hearings pending.
Prosecutors highlighted the broader implications of Bell’s actions in their sentencing memo. They noted that the misuse of charitable funds undermines public trust in nonprofit organizations, particularly those receiving taxpayer dollars.
“Charities and nonprofits have a critical role in Ohio,” the memo stated. “When those in positions of power exploit these organizations for personal gain, it damages public trust and hinders the mission of these vital institutions.”
The prosecution was handled by the Ohio Attorney General’s Special Prosecution Section at the request of Delaware County Prosecutor Melissa Schiffel.
