Delaware, Ohio – Tracy Murnane, a former purchasing agent for the Columbus Zoo and Aquarium, was sentenced today to 60 days in jail for his involvement in a fraudulent scheme that defrauded the zoo of at least $2.3 million. Ohio Attorney General Dave Yost announced the sentencing, emphasizing the importance of accountability in the case.
“The getaway driver is just as guilty as the bank robbers inside,” Yost stated, underscoring the seriousness of Murnane’s actions as part of a larger effort to exploit taxpayer funds and zoo resources.
In addition to his jail time, Murnane received three years of probation and was fined $5,000. He has already paid $11,000 in civil restitution to the zoo and $90,000 in criminal restitution to both the zoo and the state of Ohio.
Murnane pleaded guilty on July 8, 2024, to six felony charges, including grand theft, forgery, and telecommunications fraud, as well as two misdemeanors related to vehicle title transfers. His actions were part of a broader investigation that revealed misuse of zoo funds by several executives.
Among the others indicted in the case are former Chief Financial Officer Greg Bell, who was sentenced to three years in prison, and former Chief Executive Officer Tom Stalf, who pleaded guilty and is scheduled for sentencing on October 14. Former Marketing Director Pete Fingerhut also pleaded guilty and will be sentenced on October 28. Additionally, Grant Bell, a purchasing assistant, received a sentence of two years of probation and was ordered to pay $8,554.61 in restitution.
Prosecutors noted that while Murnane profited from the scheme, he ultimately cooperated with investigators and expressed readiness to testify against other indicted executives.
The prosecution was led by the Ohio Attorney General’s Special Prosecution Section at the request of Delaware County Prosecutor Melissa Schiffel.
