Former Columbus Zoo Purchasing Agent Sentenced for Fraud

DELAWARE, Ohio — A former purchasing agent for the Columbus Zoo and Aquarium was sentenced Monday to 60 days in jail for his role in a fraud that defrauded the zoo of more than $2.3 million. The sentence, handed down in Delaware County, comes after an investigation uncovered a broader conspiracy among zoo officials to misuse funds for personal gain.

Tracy Murnane, a former purchasing agent, was also sentenced to three years of probation and fined $5,000. In addition to the sentence, Murnane paid $11,000 in civil damages to the zoo and $90,000 in punitive damages to both the zoo and the state of Ohio.

Murnane pleaded guilty on July 8 to six felony charges, including theft, forgery and telecommunications fraud. He also admitted two misdemeanor charges relating to transferring vehicle titles.

“Today’s sentencing provides much-needed accountability to another player in the conspiracy to defraud taxpayers and the zoo,” Ohio Attorney General Dave Yost said in a statement.

Murnane is one of four zoo directors charged after an investigation by the Ohio Attorney General’s Office and the Ohio Auditor’s Office found that zoo funds were diverted for personal purposes.

Former CFO Greg Bell has already been sentenced to three years in prison for his role. Former CEO Tom Stalf and former CMO Pete Fingerhut pleaded guilty in July and are awaiting sentencing in October. A fifth defendant, Grant Bell, who worked as Murnane’s purchasing assistant, was sentenced Sept. 9 to two years of probation and ordered to pay $8,554.61 in restitution.

Prosecutors noted that while Murnane profited from the fraud, he cooperated with investigators and was willing to testify against other executives involved.

Community called on to help identify suspect in armed robbery in DC

Washington, DC – Police are asking the public for help in identifying a suspect involved in an armed robbery in the south-east of the country.

On Monday, September 16, at approximately 9:29 p.m., the suspect approached the victim in the 2800 block of Alabama Avenue. The suspect brandished a firearm and demanded property, which the victim surrendered. The suspect then fled the scene with the stolen items.

Surveillance cameras captured an image of the suspect, which is available for viewing.

Anyone with information about this incident is asked to contact police at (202) 727-9099 or text tips to the department’s TEXT TIP LINE at 50411. A reward of up to $10,000 is being offered for information leading to the arrest and conviction of those responsible for violent crimes in the District of Columbia.
Man charged in fatal stabbing in Flushing Spa

QUEENS, N.Y. — A grand jury has indicted Jiahai Ma on murder and weapons charges in connection with the alleged fatal stabbing of his wife at her workplace on Sept. 3.

Queens District Attorney Melinda Katz announced the indictment, emphasizing the seriousness of the charges and the need for support in cases of domestic violence. Ma, 25, of Cherry Avenue in Flushing, was arraigned before Queens Supreme Court Judge Kenneth Holder. He faces second-degree murder and fourth-degree criminal possession of a weapon.

If convicted, Ma could receive a maximum sentence of 25 years to life in prison. During his preliminary hearing, Ma was remanded in custody until his next hearing on November 13.

According to the charges, Ma entered the spa at about 5:40 p.m. on Sept. 3 and approached his wife, Guimei Tang. The verbal argument escalated, and Ma allegedly stabbed Tang multiple times in the neck, chest and arm.

Tang was taken to a local hospital and pronounced dead. Ma remained at the scene, covered in what appeared to be blood, and was taken into custody by the New York Police Department’s 109th Precinct.
Schenectady juvenile arrested for making Snapchat threats to school

SCHENECTADY, N.Y. – Detectives with the Schenectady Police Department Youth Services Division arrested a 12-year-old juvenile on charges of making terroristic threats.

At approximately 7:30 p.m. Monday, officers were notified of a threat against the school posted on Snapchat. The FBI notified the Schenectady Police Department about the post, which stated, “I’m shooting at the school tmr.”

Detectives traced the threat to the Mont Pleasant area of Schenectady. Upon arrival, officers contacted the juvenile and his cooperative parent.

The juvenile was detained and his parent voluntarily surrendered the shotgun, which he did not have on him. The juvenile was transported to Schenectady Police Headquarters and charged with making terroristic threats, a D felony.

Communication between the police department and the school district is ongoing. No further safety threats have been identified at this time.

Due to the suspect’s age, police did not reveal his identity or any additional information that could identify him.