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.

74-year-old dies in four-car crash in Towson

TOWSON, Md. — A four-car crash Tuesday killed 74-year-old Ida Berry. Berry was pronounced dead after the May 24 crash at Reisterstown Road and Slade Avenue around 2:35 p.m.

Initial investigations have revealed that Berry’s Toyota Corolla was struck from behind by a speeding Kia Sorento. The impact caused her Corolla to cross into the southbound lane, striking a third vehicle, which then collided with a fourth car travelling southbound.

Berry was taken to a local hospital with serious injuries. The driver and passenger of the third vehicle also suffered non-life-threatening injuries and were taken to a local hospital.

The driver of the Kia Sorento committed a number of traffic offences in connection with the accident.
Baltimore man wins $50,000 in lottery

BALTIMORE, MD* – A Baltimore man won the $50,000 top prize on the Ca$h Plu$ scratch-off game this week.

The winner, a local clothing store employee, bought the ticket at the Food Stop Mini Mart on Frederick Avenue. It took a little over a month for the $5 game to produce its first grand prize winner. The local resident discovered the winning ticket during a morning coffee stop on his way to work.

“I buy tickets three or four times a week, mostly for scratch cards,” she told lottery officials.

The lucky winner plans to save most of her $50,000 prize.

Mini Mart owners will receive a $500 lottery bonus for selling a ticket. Other prizes in the Ca$h Plu$ game range from $5 to $5,000, with six tickets with a top prize of $50,000 still unclaimed.

According to the Maryland Lottery, the game has been popular since its debut.

A clothing store employee scratched off her ticket in the parking lot before starting her shift.
Teen attacked in Queens

The New York Police Department is asking for help identifying and locating a person wanted in connection with an assault that occurred at the 113th Precinct.

On Sunday, September 22, 2024 at approximately 2:15 p.m., a 19-year-old man was attacked in front of 169-77 137rd Avenue. The assailant approached the victim, struck him multiple times, and then stabbed him. The suspect fled on foot, heading south on 137 Avenue. Emergency responders responded to the scene and the victim was transported to Jamaica Hospital Medical Center, where he was listed in stable condition.

The suspect is described as having a slim build and medium complexion. He was last seen wearing a blue rag, a black hoodie, black sweatpants and black sneakers. The NYPD is asking anyone with information to come forward.