COLUMBUS, Ohio — For his role in defrauding the Columbus Zoo and Aquarium of at least $2.3 million, the former zoo marketing director Pete Fingerhut was sentenced to five years in prison according to Ohio Attorney General Dave Yost.

Fingerhut pleaded guilty to 16 felonies in July, including aggravated theft, conspiracy, tampering with records, telecommunications fraud and a misdemeanor count of falsification.

What You Need To Know

  • Pete Fingerhut, former marketing director of Columbus Zoo and Aquarium, pleaded guilty in July to 16 felonies

  • He managed the zoo's advertising budget and used funds for personal entertainment and enrichment

  • Prosecutors said his role was," the most egregious, obnoxious and cavalier of all the criminal defendants"

  • Fingerhut's sentencing was the final proceeding in the criminal cases 

“Pete Fingerhut caused his own downfall by creating a culture of self-indulgence instead of public service,” Yost said in a news release.. “His prison sentence shuts the book on an extensive public corruption case, which should serve as a warning to those who abuse the public’s trust.”

In his role, Fingerhut handled the zoo's advertising budget and used funds for personal entertainment and enrichment. Co-defendants referred to him as "The Ticketmaster" for his ability to secure tickets and suites for central Ohio concerts and sporting events.

Prosecutors argued in a sentencing memorandum that Fingerhut abused his control of the zoo's marketing budget and bank account, "to benefit himself, his friends and his family." They said his role was, "the most egregious, obnoxious and cavalier of all the criminal defendants."

Fingerhut's sentencing was the final proceeding in the criminal cases which included former CEO Tom Stalf, sentenced to seven years in prison and ordered to pay $315,572.65 in criminal restitution, in addition to $400,000 in restitution previously paid on his behalf. 

Other defendants included:

  • Greg Bell, former CFO: Sentenced to three years in prison and ordered to pay $583,697/44 in criminal restitution
  • Tracy Murnane, former purchasing agent: Sentenced to 60 days in jail, three years of probation and ordered to pay $101,000 in civil and criminal restitution
  • Grant Bell, former purchasing agent and son of Greg Bell: pleaded guilty and sentenced to two years of probation and ordered to pay $8,554.61 in criminal restitution

“Led by Senior Assistant Attorney General Dan Kasaris’ expert prosecution, my office committed hundreds of hours to investigate and prosecute these crimes – I commend our staff for their work,” Yost said in a news release. “Thank you to Delaware County Prosecutor Melissa Schiffel for trusting us to weed out the corruption at the zoo.”

The AG's Special Prosecutions Section led the prosecution at the request of Delaware County Prosecutor Melissa Schiffel. The Ohio Auditor's Office also helped with the investigation and prosecution.

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