Fifth former Columbus Zoo executive receives sentence in theft scandal

COLUMBUS, Ohio (WCMH) – The last of the five former Columbus Zoo officials involved in a theft investigation in which over $2.29 million was stolen, received his sentence Monday.

Grant Bell, a former purchasing assistant for the zoo and the son of former chief financial officer Greg Bell, was charged with the fifth-degree felony in Delaware County Common Pleas Court. During his July arraignment hearing he pleaded guilty.

On Monday Bell was sentenced to two years of community control and must also pay restitution, which totals about $8,000.

Though Bell's attorney claimed his client held a very low position within the scandal, Bell wanted to take responsibility and he expressed remorse in court.

“He’s struggling just like everyone else to make ends meet," said defense council Steven Palmer. "He did not pad his pockets for years and years and years with zoo money, but he was a part of the plan at least at his level and because of that he is here today.”

Jan Ramer, a Columbus Zoo spokesperson, however, did not discriminate between Bell and the other parties involved.

“They used zoo finances intended for the animals in our care, our conservation programs, community outreach and education programs to bankroll lavish lifestyles for themselves and their families. These actions were deliberate and concealed," she said.

Bell’s charge was filed as part of a bill of information, which is a formal accusation of a crime. The bill of information alleged Bell was involved with between $1,000 and $7,000 of the total stolen funds. He admitted that he used the funds to take a trip and to put a satellite radio in his wife’s car.

His guilty plea marked the fifth and final defendant to do so. Tom Stalf, former zoo CEO facing 36 felony charges, admitted to 12 counts of tampering with records and three single counts of theft by deception, conspiracy and telecommunication fraud, according to Ohio Auditor Keith Faber. 

Stalf initially pleaded not guilty in October to the charges implicating him in the misuse of nearly $2.3 million in Zoo funds. He was initially scheduled to begin jury trial on Aug. 6, according to court documents.

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.

And Greg Bell pleaded guilty to one charge each of conspiracy and theft and 12 of tampering with records. He was sentenced to three years in prison for his role in the scandal.

All five defendants were ordered to pay restitution totaling approximately $600,000 in a 2022 settlement.