Cash News
COLUMBUS, Ohio (WSYX) — A former executive of the Columbus Zoo was sentenced Monday to two months in the Delaware County Jail, and three years of community control for his involvement in a scheme that defrauded the zoo of millions of dollars.
Tracy Murnane, the zoo’s former purchasing director, faced a possible sentence of more than eight years in prison after pleading guilty to eight counts, including grand theft, forgery and filing incomplete, false and fraudulent tax returns.
Prosecutors said Murnane abused his position to benefit personally, collaborating with other zoo executives. Court records revealed that Murnane concealed sales of his own vehicles to the zoo and took a cut from inflated prices paid for vehicles bought at auctions.
Murnane’s defense attorney acknowledged his client’s wrongdoing, including helping to purchase an RV for the former CEO’s personal use. The attorney also noted that Murnane has paid $90,000 in restitution, and has cooperated with prosecutors and the zoo in their investigations.
The defense argued that other zoo executives played more significant roles in the scandal, which cost the zoo more than $2 million.
Former CFO Greg Bell already has been sentenced to three years in prison. Former marketing director Pete Fingerhut and former CEO Tom Stalf each have pleaded guilty to more than a dozen felonies, and are awaiting sentencing, potentially facing decades in prison.
The court’s decision on Murnane’s sentencing will be closely watched as the case continues to unfold.