Former Columbus Zoo CEO Pleads Guilty to 15 Felonies Ahead of Trial

Joe Lyons • July 23, 2024

(DELAWARE, Ohio) — The former chief executive officer of the Columbus Zoo and Aquarium entered a plea of guilty today ahead of his trial date, Ohio Attorney General Dave Yost announced today.

Tom Stalf pleaded guilty in Delaware County Common Pleas Court to 15 felonies:

1 count of aggravated theft (F2)

1 count of conspiracy (F2)

1 count of telecommunications fraud (F3)

12 counts of tampering with records (F4, F5)

As part of the plea agreement, Stalf agreed to pay $315,572.65 in criminal restitution to the Columbus Zoo, State of Ohio and Internal Revenue Service. This amount is in addition to the $400,000.00 of restitution already made on his behalf in 2021.

Stalf’s trial had been scheduled to start Aug. 6. He will be sentenced on Oct. 14 at 9:00 a.m.

The Ohio Attorney General’s Office was appointed to prosecute the case at the request of Delaware County Prosecutor Melissa Schiffel. The Ohio Auditor’s Office is assisting the Special Prosecution section of the Ohio Attorney General’s office in the investigation and prosecution.

Cases against the four other defendants are nearing conclusion:

Greg Bell, former zoo chief financial officer, pleaded guilty to 14 felony charges, including aggravated theft, conspiracy and tampering with records. His sentencing is scheduled for Sept. 19 at 1:30 p.m.

Pete Fingerhut, former zoo marketing director, pleaded guilty to 16 felony charges and one misdemeanor. He is scheduled to be sentenced on Sept. 23 at 10 a.m.

Tracy Murnane, former zoo purchasing agent, pleaded guilty to six felony charges and two misdemeanors. He will be sentenced on Sept. 23 at 11 a.m.

Grant Bell, former zoo purchasing assistant, was charged with one felony count.

In total, the defendants are alleged to have defrauded the zoo of more than $2.29 million and used the money for personal benefits.