The former marketing director of the Columbus Zoo has been convicted of participating in a corruption scheme
The former marketing director of the Columbus Zoo has been sentenced to prison after pleading guilty to his role in a corruption scheme that defrauded the zoo of at least $2.3 million. According to the Ohio attorney general’s office, Pete Fingerhut was sentenced to five years in prison. on Monday.Fingerhut, who worked as the Columbus Zoo’s marketing director, pleaded guilty to aggravated robbery, conspiracy, tampering with records, and wire fraud. He also pleaded guilty to wrongdoing. Last September, Fingerhut was one of the former directors of the Columbus Zoo indicted for his role in a corruption scheme. according to investigators, Fingerhut used the zoo’s money for “personal entertainment and enrichment.” The attorney general’s office said the co-defendants called Fingerhut “The Ticketmaster,” for his ability to secure tickets for events around central Ohio. As part of his sentence, Fingerhut will must pay more than $639,000 to restore the zoo. , State of Ohio and Internal Revenue Service. Fingerhut’s sentencing on Monday was the final sentence for those accused in the corruption scheme. Former CEO Tom Stalf was sentenced to seven years in prison and ordered to pay more than $315,000 in criminal restitution, former CFO. Greg Bell was sentenced to three years in prison and former sales representative Tracy Murnane was sentenced to 60 days in jail and three years of probation. two years of probation. Ohio Attorney General Dave Yost issued a statement on Monday’s sentencing, thanking investigators for their work. “Pete Fingerhut brought about his downfall by creating a culture of self-gratification rather than public service,” Yost said. “His prison sentence closes the book on a wider public corruption case, which should serve as a warning to those who abuse public trust.”
The former marketing director of the Columbus Zoo has been sentenced to prison after pleading guilty to his role in a corruption scheme that defrauded the zoo of at least $2.3 million.
According to the Ohio attorney general’s office, Pete Fingerhut was sentenced to five years in prison on Monday.
Fingerhut, who worked as the Columbus Zoo’s marketing director, pleaded guilty to aggravated robbery, conspiracy, tampering with records and wire fraud. He also showed himself to be guilty of making mistakes.
Last September, Fingerhut was one of three former directors of the Columbus Zoo indicted for his role in the corruption scheme.
According to investigators, Fingerhut used the zoo’s money for “personal entertainment and enrichment.” The attorney general’s office said the co-defendants called Fingerhut “The Ticketmaster,” because of his ability to get tickets for events around central Ohio.
As part of his sentence, Fingerhut will also be required to pay more than $639,000 in restitution to the zoo, the State of Ohio and the Internal Revenue Service.
Fingerhut’s sentencing on Monday was the final verdict for those accused in the corruption scheme.
Former CEO Tom Stalf was sentenced to seven years in prison and ordered to pay more than $315,000 in criminal restitution, former CFO Greg Bell was sentenced to three years in prison and former sales representative Tracy Murne sentenced to 60 days in jail and three years. assessment.
In addition, Grant Bell, a former purchasing assistant and son of Greg Bell, pleaded guilty and was sentenced to two years of probation.
Ohio Attorney General Dave Yost issued a statement on Monday’s sentencing, thanking investigators for their work.
“Pete Fingerhut caused his downfall by creating a culture of self-gratification rather than public service,” Yost said. “His prison sentence closes the book on a wider case of public corruption, which should serve as a warning to those who abuse the public. trust.”
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