09/23/2024 | Press release | Distributed by Public on 09/23/2024 10:12
(DELAWARE, Ohio) - A former purchasing agent for the Columbus Zoo and Aquarium was sentenced to 60 days in jail today for enriching himself as part of a broader scheme that defrauded the zoo of at least $2.3 million, Ohio Attorney General Dave Yost announced.
"The getaway driver is just as guilty as the bank robbers inside," Yost said. "Today's sentence delivers much-needed accountability for another player in the scheme to rip off taxpayers and the zoo."
Tracy Murnane was sentenced today to 60 days in jail and three years of probation. His sentence also includes a $5,000 fine.
In addition to today's sentence, Murnane has paid $11,000 in civil restitution to the zoo and $90,000 in criminal restitution to the zoo and the state of Ohio.
Murnane pleaded guilty on July 8, 2024, to six felony charges, including grand theft, forgery and telecommunications fraud. He also pleaded guilty to two misdemeanors related to the transfers of vehicle titles.
Murnane is among four zoo executives indicted after an investigation by the Ohio Attorney General's Office and the Ohio Auditor's Office found that zoo funds were misused for personal gain.