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.

Corrupt New York judge takes his own life as FBI closes in on arrest warrant for bribery, extortion

CAMPBELL HALL, N.Y. — Retired New York state judge and former prosecutor Stewart Rosenwasser took his own life Tuesday, just before federal agents arrived to arrest him on bribery, extortion and other alleged crimes. Rosenwasser, who recently resigned from the Orange County District Attorney’s Office, died at his home in Campbell Hall, according to local reports.

Federal agents arrived to serve an arrest warrant when the 69-year-old allegedly shot himself. Multiple sources, including WABC and Times Unionreported that there was a shootout between the FBI agent and Rosenwasser, after which the former judge committed suicide.

The details of the indictment remain unclear, but the investigation reportedly raised serious charges of bribery and extortion.

Rosenwasser had a long legal career, serving as a judge from 1999 to 2006. During that time, he served as a justice of the New York State Supreme Court. Known for his reputation for being tough on crime, he earned the nickname “Maximum Stew” for handing out harsh sentences, particularly for violent crimes.

After leaving the bench, Rosenwasser cited frustration over the lack of a pay rise as one of his reasons for resigning, despite earning a six-figure salary during his tenure. The Times Herald-Record reported.

He continued his legal career until resigning as district attorney earlier this year.

Federal authorities have not yet commented on the circumstances of Rosenwasser’s death or the charges against him. The investigation is ongoing.
Buffalo Police Ask for Help Finding Missing 16-Year-Old

BUFFALO, NY — The Buffalo Police Department is asking for the public’s help in locating a missing 16-year-old girl, Keyshauntae Carter. Authorities say Carter was last seen in the 500 block of South Park Avenue.

Carter is described as being approximately 5 feet 4 inches tall, weighing approximately 130 pounds, with brown eyes and black hair. The circumstances of her disappearance have not been explained.

Police are asking anyone with information on Carter’s whereabouts to call 911 immediately.

The department shared an appeal on social media asking for the community’s help in locating the missing teenager.
Man, 37, charged in fatal shooting at Gaithersburg apartment complex

GAITHERSBURG, Md. — Police are investigating the fatal shooting of a man at a Gaithersburg apartment complex. Authorities have identified the victim as 37-year-old Antoine Lavale Parker.

Officers responded at 11:24 a.m. Sunday to the 18500 block of Boysenberry Drive, where Parker was found in his apartment with gunshot wounds. He was pronounced dead at the scene.

Police were called to the area earlier this morning after reports of shots fired, but no evidence of foul play was found at the time. An autopsy conducted Monday determined Parker’s death was a homicide.

The Montgomery County Police Department asks anyone with information to contact Crime Solvers of Montgomery County.