A former Columbus Zoo and Aquarium executive charged in the theft of more than $2 million is set to appear in court on Thursday.ALSO | Former Columbus Zoo offic
The Columbus Zoo and Aquarium faces a tough road ahead while two state agencies investigate two former top executives for allegedly misusing resources. A former Columbus Zoo and Aquarium executive charged in the theft of more than $2 million is set to appear in court on Thursday.Greg Bell, the former chief financial officer for the zoo is scheduled to be in front of a judge in Delaware County Common Pleas Court at 1:30 p.m.
His Thursday court appearance is expected to be a hearing on a change of plea. Bell faces felony counts of conspiracy to engage in a pattern of corrupt activity, aggravated theft and tampering with records. Yost said the amount misused or stolen reached nearly $2.3 million, "the equivalent to almost 16,000 annual zoo memberships."
"They need to be held to account," he said. "They need to have a felony conviction on their records. We believe that after this case is proven in court, they will have that ... We're gonna do everything we can to get that money back."The theft allegedly took place between 2011 and 2021. “We trusted these individuals with the privilege to lead this singularly outstanding organization, and they shattered that trust,” said Board of Directors Chair Keith Shumate in a news release in 2021. “We are determined to implement the sound recommendations contained in the forensic analysis, which, combined with the steps we already have taken, will protect the Columbus Zoo from such abuses in the future and earn back the confidence of the public.
United States Latest News, United States Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
Columbus Weather: Mostly cloudy Thursday morning in central Ohio with warmer tempsDry morning then scattered rain on the way for the next few days along with cool temperatures and a brisk breeze.ALSO | Radar | Maps | View, Share Fall PhotosTH
Read more »
1 injured in shooting at southeast Columbus business center parking lotRecords show Caden Woodward has been charged with illegal use of minor in nudity oriented material.
Read more »
Columbus Weather: Clouds and showers prevalent through the weekGrey skies prevail this afternoon and the wind has a bit of a bite. Temperatures will be closer to normal tonight and Wednesday. Plan on scattered showers for t
Read more »
Murder trial begins for man accused of killing Columbus mosque leaderJohn Wooden is charged with the murder of Mohamed Hassan Adam.
Read more »