WQIO Ohio's Super Station
Columbus, OH – In the aftermath of a major fraud investigation at the Columbus Zoo and Aquarium, two former employees have now been sentenced for their involvement in the misuse of zoo funds.
On Monday, Grant Bell, a former purchasing agent, was sentenced to two years of probation after pleading guilty to one count of theft. The charges are part of a larger investigation that uncovered a $2 million fraud scheme orchestrated by several high-ranking zoo employees. Bell’s sentencing follows that of his father, Greg Bell, the zoo’s former Chief Financial Officer, who was sentenced to three years in prison. Greg Bell pleaded guilty to 14 felony charges and was ordered to pay over $500,000 in restitution.
The fraud investigation, which has shocked the Columbus community, implicated five former zoo employees. Along with the Bells, three other former executives have also been charged: former CEO Tom Stalf, former Director of Marketing Pete Fingerhut, and former Director of Purchasing Tracy Murnane. These three are awaiting sentencing.
The case has drawn widespread attention as one of the largest financial scandals involving a U.S. zoo. Columbus Zoo officials have since taken steps to rebuild public trust and ensure stricter oversight of financial operations moving forward.
The sentencing of Stalf, Fingerhut, and Murnane is expected in the coming weeks.
