Zoo CEO Stalf Sentenced for Fraud Scheme

Former Columbus Zoo CEO Tom Stalf was sentenced to seven years in prison after pleading guilty to 15 felony charges related to defrauding the zoo of $2.3 million. His charges include aggravated theft, conspiracy, telecommunications fraud, and tampering with records. Alongside Stalf, other zoo executives, including Marketing Director Pete Fingerhut and CFO Greg Bell, were implicated in the scheme, which involved misusing zoo funds for personal luxuries such as trips, concerts, and even purchasing an RV. Stalf has been ordered to pay over $315,500 in restitution, in addition to $400,000 already paid. The scandal is characterized by its breach of public trust and misuse of nonprofit funds, with Stalf identified as a central figure due to his leadership role. This sentencing marks the culmination of a significant legal process addressing the misconduct of former zoo officials.