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.