Columbus Zoo CEO pleads guilty

Tom Stalf, the former CEO of the Columbus Zoo and Aquarium, pleaded guilty to 15 felony charges related to a fraud scheme that misappropriated over $2.29 million from the zoo between 2011 and 2021. His charges included aggravated theft, conspiracy, telecommunications fraud, and tampering with records, for which he agreed to pay $315,572.65 in restitution on top of a previous $400,000 settlement. Stalf is the last of five former executives to plead guilty, including former CFO Greg Bell and marketing director Pete Fingerhut, who also face multiple felony counts. The fraud involved personal expenses such as vacations, vehicles, and concert tickets being charged to zoo funds. Stalf was set to go on trial in August, but his plea agreement has led to a scheduled sentencing on October 14. Ohio Attorney General Dave Yost has emphasized the extensive nature of the fraud and the collaborative efforts of the Attorney General and Auditor's offices in the investigation.