October 28, 2024, Press Release from the Office of Ohio Attorney General Dave Yost: (DELAWARE, Ohio) — The former marketing director of the Columbus Zoo and Aquarium, who pleaded guilty to 16 felonies, was sentenced to five years in prison today for his role in a scheme that defrauded the zoo of at least $2.3 million, Ohio Attorney General Dave Yost announced. On July 2, Pete Fingerhut pleaded guilty to aggravated theft, conspiracy, tampering with records, and telecommunications fraud. He also pleaded guilty to a misdemeanor count of falsification.

October 14, 2024, Press Release from  the Office of Ohio Attorney General Dave Yost: (DELAWARE, Ohio) — The former chief executive officer of the Columbus Zoo and Aquarium was sentenced to 7 years in prison today for his role in a scheme that defrauded the zoo of at least $2.3 million, Ohio Attorney General Dave Yost announced. Tom Stalf had pleaded guilty on July 23 to 15 felonies, including aggravated theft, conspiracy, telecommunications fraud and tampering with records.

August 19, 2024, Press Release from the Office of Ohio Attorney General Dave Yost: (DELAWARE, Ohio) — A former chief financial officer for the Columbus Zoo and Aquarium was sentenced to three years in prison today for his role in a broader scheme that defrauded the zoo of at least $2.3 million, Ohio Attorney General Dave Yost announced. In addition to the prison time, Delaware County Common Pleas Judge David Gormley ordered Bell to pay $583,697.44 in criminal restitution. Bell previously agreed to pay separate civil restitution to the zoo. 

July 23, 2024, Press Release from the Office of Ohio Attorney General Dave Yost: (DELAWARE, Ohio) — The former chief executive officer of the Columbus Zoo and Aquarium entered a plea of guilty today ahead of his trial date, Ohio Attorney General Dave Yost announced today. As part of the plea agreement, Stalf agreed to pay $315,572.65 in criminal restitution to the Columbus Zoo, State of Ohio and Internal Revenue Service. This amount is in addition to the $400,000.00 of restitution already made on his behalf in 2021.

July 8, 2024, Press Release from the Office of Ohio Attorney General Dave Yost: (DELAWARE, Ohio) — A former purchasing agent for the Columbus Zoo and Aquarium must pay $90,000 in restitution to the zoo after pleading guilty this morning to six felonies and two misdemeanors, Ohio Attorney General Dave Yost announced.

July 2, 2024, Press Release from the Office of Ohio Attorney General Dave Yost: (DELAWARE, Ohio) — With a trial date looming, the former marketing director for the Columbus Zoo and Aquarium pleaded guilty today to 16 felony counts and one misdemeanor, Ohio Attorney General Dave Yost announced today. As part of the plea agreement, Pete Fingerhut will pay $675,572.65 in restitution. The amount includes money to be paid to the zoo, along with back taxes to the state of Ohio and Internal Revenue Service.

May 23, 2024, Press Release from the Office of Ohio Attorney General Dave Yost: (COLUMBUS, Ohio) — A former purchasing agent for the Columbus Zoo and Aquarium was charged this morning with grand theft and five other felonies, Ohio Attorney General Dave Yost announced. Tracy Murnane, 65, of Westerville, is the fourth former Columbus Zoo employee criminally charged with felony theft-related offenses as part of an ongoing criminal prosecution led by the attorney general’s Special Prosecution section. The attorney general’s office was appointed to prosecute the case at the request of Delaware County Prosecutor Melissa Schiffel. The Ohio Auditor's Office is assisting in the investigation and prosecution.