Columbus Zoo

The Liberty Township Board of Trustees voted on a resolution to establish a “Protect and Serve Charge” on Tuesday that would add a $1 fee to Columbus Zoo tickets. It will go into effect on Aug 30.

A $2.3 million fraud scheme at the Columbus Zoo led to the convictions of five former employees.

The zoo is seeking foreclosures on the homes of former CEO Thomas Stalf and former marketing director Peter Fingerhut to help pay restitution after they were convicted of defrauding the zoo.

Pete Fingerhut pleaded guilty in July to 16 felony counts.

Stalf pleaded guilty in July to 15 felony counts for his role in the theft of $2.29 million from the zoo.

Tracy Murnane, former purchasing officer for the Columbus Zoo, will also pay a $5,000 fine.

Former purchasing assistant Grant Bell was sentenced to two years of community control, fined $1,000 and ordered to pay more than $8,500 in restitution.

Former Chief Financial Officer Greg Bell pleaded guilty to 14 felony counts in 2023 for his role in the scheme.

Stalf pleaded guilty of 15 felony counts related to the theft of $2.29 million.

Grant Bell was charged with theft on Friday.