Tom Stalf, the former CEO of the Columbus Zoo and Aquarium, has pleaded guilty to charges related to a scheme that defrauded the zoo of $2.29 million for personal gain, as announced by the Ohio Attorney General’s Office.
In a plea agreement filed in Delaware County Common Pleas Court, Stalf pleaded guilty to one count of aggravated theft, one count of conspiracy, one count of telecommunications fraud, and 12 counts of tampering with records, all felonies.
As part of the agreement, he will pay $315,572.65 in restitution to the zoo, in addition to the $400,000 that was paid back on his behalf in 2021.
The investigation revealed that zoo executives, including Stalf, misused zoo funds for personal expenses such as vacations, vehicles, concerts, and sporting events between 2011 and 2021.
Stalf was charged alongside four other zoo officials: former chief financial officer Greg Bell, his son and former purchasing assistant Grant Bell, former marketing director Pete Fingerhut, and former purchasing agent Tracy Murnane.
Greg Bell has pleaded guilty to 14 felony charges, including aggravated theft and conspiracy, and is set to be sentenced on September 19.
Grant Bell faces a single charge of theft.
Pete Fingerhut pleaded guilty on July 2 to several charges, including aggravated theft and conspiracy, and agreed to pay over $675,000 in restitution. He is scheduled for sentencing on September 23.
Tracy Murnane also pleaded guilty to multiple charges on July 8, including grand theft and forgery, and has agreed to pay $90,000 in restitution. He is also set to be sentenced on September 23.