Former Ohio Zoo CEO sentenced to prison in $2.3 million fraud case
By Adam Conn,
2 days ago
COLUMBUS, Ohio ( WCMH ) – The former CEO of the Columbus Zoo and Aquarium received his sentence Monday, after pleading guilty to 15 felony charges in the theft of nearly $2.3 million.
In July, Tom Stalf admitted to 12 counts of tampering with records and counts of theft by deception, conspiracy and telecommunication fraud, according to Ohio Auditor Keith Faber. He is one of five former Zoo officials involved in an investigation of the theft of over $2.29 million.
On Monday, a Delaware County Court of Common Pleas judge sentenced Stalf to serve seven years in prison, with a mandatory 18-to-36 months of community control upon his release. Stalf had also previously agreed to pay restitution in the amount of $315,572.65
Stalf initially pleaded not guilty in October to the charges implicating him in the misuse of nearly $2.3 million in Zoo funds. He was initially scheduled to begin jury trial on Aug. 6, according to court documents.
Stalf and other Zoo executives were accused of using their positions to attend sporting events, offer housing to family and other personal uses. Stalf, who was originally facing 36 total charges, was specifically accused of using Zoo funds to purchase a personal RV for $45,000.
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