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This Ex-Columbus Zoo CEO Is Heading to Prison—Here’s Why

On Monday, former Columbus Zoo and Aquarium CEO Tom Stalf was sentenced to seven years in prison. The 15 felony charges, to which Stalf pleaded guilty, stemmed from the theft of nearly $2.3 million from the Zoo.

The charges included counts of tampering with records, conspiracy, theft by deception, and telecommunications fraud. Stalf led a group of five former zoo officials that were involved in the scandal.

The sentence was handed down by the Delaware County Common Please court.

Stalf will face an additional 18-36 months of mandatory community control once released. Although he was sentenced to seven years, he could be eligible for early release in as soon as five years. Stalf will also be required to pay $313,573 in restitution.

Stalf misused zoo funds for a variety of personal expenses, including an RV valued at $45k. There was a long-standing culture at the zoo that permitted all kinds of perks, like housing benefits and bartering zoo tickets for cash.

Stalf’s defense attorney argued that the zoo’s internal systems failed to keep Stalf accountable before the situation escalated.

Five former zoo executives were implicated in the scandal and all five have pleaded guilty.

Greg Bell, the zoo’s former CFO, was sentenced to three years in prison, while former purchasing agent Tracy Murnane received a two-month jail sentence. Former marketing director Pete Fingerhut will be sentenced on October 28.

Together, the five officials were ordered to pay more than $600,000 in restitution as part of a 2022 settlement. The total restitution amounts for each include $675,573 for Fingerhut, $583,697 for Bell, $101,000 for Murnane, and $8,555 for Grant Bell.

The Columbus Zoo has become one of the most beloved institutions in Columbus over the years. The scandal unfortunately impacted the Zoo’s reputation, which should be focused on its commitment to wildlife conservation and community outreach.

Stalf expressed embarrassment and a commitment to making restitution payments, but he has yet to show much public remorse.

“He’s disappointed in himself,” defense attorney, Mark Collins, told the Dispatch, noting that Stalf is committed to making restitution payments. “He’s embarrassed. He’s humiliated. He brought it upon himself. That’s why he’s kind of withdrawn and he knows he’s going to prison.”