Former Columbus Zoo executive convicted of stealing $2.3 million sentenced

DELAWARE, Ohio (b.VKMG) – The last of five former Columbus Zoo executives has received a sentence after pleading guilty to his role in the theft of $2.3 million.

On Monday, a Delaware County common pleas judge sentenced former marketing executive Pete Fingerhut to five years in prison.

Fingerhut pleaded guilty in July to 16 felonies, including aggravated theft, conspiracy, falsifying records, wire fraud and falsification. He will also pay more than $675,000 in restitution to the zoo and back taxes as part of his plea agreement.

Adam Coy takes the stand in his own defense at his murder trial.

Fingerhut, whose The jury trial was scheduled to begin on July 9. after his initial October plea of innocenceis the latest of five former zoo executives to be convicted in a fraud case. He and other leaders were accused using their position to attend sporting events, provide housing for family and other personal needs.

Two weeks ago, the former CEO of the Columbus Zoo and Aquarium, who convicted on 12 charges for falsifying records and charges of theft by deception, conspiracy and telecommunications fraud, was sentenced to seven years in prison and ordered to pay more than $315,000 in restitution.

Five former executives have pleaded guilty to stealing nearly $2.3 million from the Columbus Zoo. (Courtesy/Ohio Attorney General's Office) (Courtesy/Ohio Attorney General's Office) — Five former executives have pleaded guilty to stealing nearly $2.3 million from the Columbus Zoo. (Courtesy/Ohio Attorney General’s Office) (Courtesy/Ohio Attorney General’s Office)

Former purchasing agent Tracy Murnane, 65, of Westerville pleaded guilty to eight charges, including grand theft, telecommunications fraud and forgery. Murnane was sentenced to two months in prison last month.

Former marketing director Pete Fingerhut pleaded guilty to several charges. His The jury trial was scheduled to begin on July 9. after his initial October plea of innocence. Fingerhut’s sentencing hearing is scheduled for Oct. 28.

AND Greg Bell pleaded guilty one count of conspiracy and theft and 12 counts of falsifying records. He was sentenced to three years in prison for his role in the scandal.

Last month, the last of five former Columbus Zoo employees involved in the investigation, Grant Bell, also got his sentence.

All of them were ordered to pay full compensation in the following amounts:

Tom Stalf, $315,572.65
Pete Fingerhut, $639,000.
Greg Bell, $583,697.44.
Tracy Murnane, $101,000.
Grant Bell, $8,554.61

All five defendants were also ordered to pay restitution totaling approximately $600,000 as part of the settlement in 2022.

For the latest news, weather, sports and streaming video, head to NBC4 WCMH-TV.