DELEWARE, Ohio — Pete Fingerhut, the former marketing director for the Columbus Zoo and Aquarium, pleaded guilty to 16 felony charges and one misdemeanor Tuesday, according to a press release from Ohio Attorney General Dave Yost.

An indictment back in September accused three executives at the zoo “accused of stealing more than $2.29 million in public funds for their own benefit.” A fourth former employee was also charged with felonies later.

Fingerhut, as part of the plea deal, will pay $675,572.65 in restitution, according to the release. That money will go toward the zoo in addition to the back taxes paid to the state and IRS.

His sentencing is scheduled for Sept. 23, the release states, after the other defendants’ proceedings are concluded.

Fingerhut had been set to start trial on July 9. He pleaded guilty to one count of aggravated theft, one count of conspiracy, 11 counts of tampering with records, three counts of telecommunications fraud and one count of falsification.

Greg Bell, the former chief financial officer, also pleaded guilty in October to 14 felony charges and will be sentenced following the conclusion of these other cases.

The zoo’s former chief executive officer, Tom Stalf, faces 26 felony charges and is set for trial on Aug. 6.

Tracy Murnane was the latest to be charged. The former zoo purchasing agent will be arraigned on July 8.

“The Attorney General’s Office was appointed to prosecute the case at the request of Delaware County Prosecutor Melissa Schiffel,” the release reads. “The Ohio Auditor’s Office is assisting in the investigation and prosecution.”