COLUMBUS, Ohio – The former CEO of the Columbus Zoo, Tom Stalf, pleaded guilty on Tuesday to embezzling over $2.29 million in a scheme that lasted over a decade, according to Ohio Auditor of State Keith Faber.
Stalf admitted to his role in the heist during a hearing in Delaware County Common Pleas Court. The charges include 12 counts of tampering with records, single counts of theft by deception, conspiracy, and telecommunication fraud.
In addition to pleading guilty, Stalf agreed to repay $315,572.65, separate from funds already recovered through a civil lawsuit settlement. This additional restitution covers personal credit card charges, sporting event and concert tickets, golf club purchases, and other unauthorized spending during his tenure as CEO.
Stalf’s sentencing will take place at a later date.
The guilty plea comes after an investigation launched in April 2021 by the Ohio Auditor of State’s Special Investigations Unit (SIU) and the Attorney General’s Office, prompted by a Columbus Dispatch report highlighting potential financial irregularities at the zoo.
The investigation uncovered a pattern of Columbus Zoo executives using zoo funds for personal expenses like vacations, vehicles, and entertainment. The alleged crimes occurred between 2011 and 2021.
Stalf is not the only former zoo official facing consequences. Greg Bell, the former CFO, pleaded guilty in October 2023 to similar charges and awaits sentencing. Tracy Murnane, former director of purchasing, and Pete Fingerhut, former director of marketing, also pleaded guilty earlier this month to various charges related to the embezzlement scheme. They will be sentenced at a later date.
Grant Bell, a former purchasing assistant, faces a single felony theft charge.
Delaware County Prosecutor Melissa A. Schiffel appointed the Ohio Attorney General’s office to lead the prosecution. Two attorneys from the Attorney General’s office and one from the SIU are serving as special prosecutors in the case.