Final defendant charged in Columbus Zoo fraud investigation

A former purchasing assistant for the Columbus Zoo and Aquarium was charged last week with theft, Ohio Attorney General Dave Yost announced.

Grant Bell of Gallaway was charged July 19 with one count of theft, a fifth-degree felony.

Bell is the son of former zoo chief financial officer Greg Bell and worked closely with Tracey Murnane, a former zoo purchasing agent. Both Greg Bell and Murnane have pleaded guilty for their roles in the fraud scheme.

The charge was filed as a bill of information in Delaware County Common Pleas Court. A bill of information is a formal accusation of a crime issued by a prosecutor and presented to a defendant; it serves the same function as an indictment issued by a grand jury in felony cases.

Bell is the fifth and final defendant in the criminal prosecution led by the attorney general’s Special Prosecution Section. The Ohio Attorney General’s Office was appointed to prosecute the case at the request of Delaware County Prosecutor Melissa Schiffel. The Ohio Auditor’s Office is assisting in the investigation and prosecution.

In total, the defendants are alleged to have defrauded the zoo of more than $2.29 million and used the money for personal benefits.

Publisher's note: A free press is critical to having well-informed voters and citizens. While some news organizations opt for paid websites or costly paywalls, The Highland County Press has maintained a free newspaper and website for the last 25 years for our community. If you would like to contribute to this service, it would be greatly appreciated. Donations may be made to: The Highland County Press, P.O. Box 849, Hillsboro, Ohio 45133. Please include "for website" on the memo line.