Former Columbus Zoo CFO gets three-year sentence in theft scandal

COLUMBUS, Ohio (WCMH) — A former top executive of the Columbus Zoo has received his prison sentence after pleading guilty to his involvement in the theft of over $2 million.

Former chief financial officer Gregory Bell received a three-year prison sentence on Monday in Delaware County Commons Pleas court. Bell pleaded guilty in October to one charge each of conspiracy and theft and 12 of tampering with records. When he pleaded guilty, Bell also agreed to pay restitution.

It was an emotional day for Bell, who was crying as he took the stand and said, “The zoo put a great deal of trust in me and I failed them. I should have stepped up and turned the people in.”

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Jan Ramer, spokesperson for the Columbus Zoo, read an impact statement at Bell’s sentencing.

“Their selfishness, scheming and thievery tarnished the zoo’s reputation and cast a shadow over our dedicated staff’s tireless and honest work,” Ramer said.

Bell was one of five people who pleaded guilty for the theft of nearly $2.3 million over 10 years of Columbus Zoo funds. The five defendants were accused of misusing funds to attend sporting events, allow family members to live in zoo-owned houses, award a no-bid contract for construction at The Wilds and make personal purchases.

In addition to Bell, former Columbus Zoo chief executive officer Tom Stalf admitted to 12 counts of tampering with records in July. Stalf initially pleaded not guilty in October.

Former purchasing agent Tracy Murnane, 65, of Westerville, pleaded guilty to eight charges, including grand theft, telecommunications fraud, and forgery. Former marketing director Pete Fingerhut pleaded guilty to multiple felony charges. His jury trial was slated to begin on July 9 after his initial October plea of not guilty.

The final and most recent defendant was Gregory Bell’s son Grant, a former purchasing assistant who pleaded guilty in July. All five defendants were ordered to pay restitution totaling approximately $600,000 in a 2022 settlement.

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