COLUMBUS, Ohio —  Attorney General Dave Yost said the former chief executive officer of the Columbus Zoo and Aquarium pleaded guilty to 15 felony charges ahead of his trial date. 

What You Need To Know

  • The charges include aggravated theft, conspiracy, telecommunications fraud and tampering with records

  • Additionally, Stalf agreed to pay $315,572. 65 in criminal restitution to the Columbus Zoo, the State of Ohio and the Internal Revenue Service as part of the plea agreement

  • His trial date is scheduled for Aug. 6, and his sentencing date is Oct. 14

Tom Stalf pleaded guilty to the following 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)

Additionally, Stalf agreed to pay $315,572. 65 in criminal restitution to the Columbus Zoo, the State of Ohio and the Internal Revenue Service as part of the plea agreement. He's already made $400,000 of restitution in 2021. 

His trial date is scheduled for Aug. 6, and his sentencing date is Oct. 14. 

Cases involving four other former Columbus Zoo members are nearing an end as well, Yost said in a release.

  • Greg Bell, former zoo chief financial officer, pleaded guilty to 14 felony charges. 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.

Yost said the defendants are alleged to have taken a total of $2.29 million and used the money for personal benefits.