Page 7 - Greg Bell News Today

The long-time auditor of the Columbus Zoo and Aquarium sent warning letters that foreshadowed problems with internal controls years ago.

Stalf went from an entry-level employee to leading an Illinois zoo in a few years. Not long after he was leading the Columbus zoo.

Although models can be misused by attackers and their negative consequences require attention, I think greater advantages will accrue to defenders over time.

Thomas Stalf, the former director of the Niabi Zoo, is facing a 36-count indictment alleging that he and two other Columbus Zoo executives misused $2.29 million of the zoo’s money.

Thomas Stalf, former director of the Niabi Zoo who left in 2010 to become the director of the Columbus Zoo, is facing a 36-count indictment alleging that he and two other zoo executives used $2.29 million of the zoo’s money for their personal benefit.

Stalf was the director of Niabi Zoo in Coal Valley from 1995-2010. He was indicted on 36 felony charges, including bribery and money laundering.

Three former Columbus Zoo executives have been indicted for their alleged roles in a scheme to defraud the zoo for over $2 million.

Former Chief Executive Officer Tom Stalf and former Marketing Director Pete Fingerhut are accused of operating a criminal enterprise to hijack the zoo’s purse strings and colluding to conceal their

The three former zoo officials “extorted, conspired, bribed and stole” for personal gain, and spent the money on concerts and sporting events, meals and trips, the Ohio attorney general said.

Delaware County Prosecutor Melissa A. Schiffel has appointed Ohio Attorney General Dave Yost to lead the prosecution.