Son of former Columbus Zoo CFO charged in fraud investigation

COLUMBUS, Ohio – The son of the former chief financial officer of the Columbus Zoo and Aquarium has been charged as part of the state’s investigation into alleged misuse of zoo funds and resources.

Grant Bell, a former shopping assistant, has been charged with theft as part of the fraud investigation, Ohio Attorney General Dave Yost announced Friday. He is the son of Greg Bell, who pleaded guilty in October to 14 counts including grand theft, conspiracy and tampering with records. Greg will be sentenced on Sept. 19.

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Grant worked closely with Tracy Murnane, who pleaded guilty to charges of grand larceny, aiding and abetting a crime, forgery, wire fraud and filing incomplete, false and fraudulent tax returns. Murnane must pay $90,000 in restitution after agreeing to a settlement. His sentencing is scheduled for September 23.

Grant is the fifth and final defendant to be charged in the investigation.

Tom Stalf, the zoo’s former executive director, has been charged with 36 felony counts and his trial is scheduled to begin on August 6.

Pete Fingerhut, the zoo’s former marketing director, pleaded guilty to 16 felony counts and one misdemeanor. He will be sentenced on September 23.

RELATED TOPIC: Yost: Former Columbus Zoo employee charged with grand theft in fraud investigation

The defendants are accused of defrauding the zoo of more than $2.29 million and using the money for personal purposes, Yost said.

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