The zoo's initial review by Porter Wright recommended the zoo hire a firm to conduct a forensic audit, which typically goes deeper than a regular financial audit, examining financial information for accuracy and lawfulness. Some public officials called for the same.

However, the ethics commission could issue an advisory opinion on whether ethics laws apply to the zoo, regardless of whether it investigates. At the heart of the commission’s considerations is whether the former zoo officials could be considered public employees under Ohio’s ethics laws.īut if the commission authorizes an investigation into the zoo, the public might not know. All information pertaining to ongoing investigations, including whether they're happening, is confidential. Investigative information only becomes a public record if the commission reaches a settlement or refers a case for criminal prosecution. The Ohio Ethics Commission continues to review whether it can investigate the zoo or its executives. Ohio Ethics Commission considers Columbus Zoo investigation The auditor's office would not share details about what specific type of audit is underway, or why it is auditing the zoo now, citing office policy that prevents them from discussing ongoing work. Ohio Auditor of State reviewing Columbus Zoo financesįollowing Stalf and Bell’s resignations, The Dispatch learned that Ohio Auditor of State Keith Faber’s office was conducting an audit of the Columbus Zoo.Īlthough the zoo has received tax levy funds for decades, the probe marks the first time the state auditor has ever reviewed the zoo's finances. The attorney general’s investigation remains ongoing. The attorney general’s charitable law section investigates abuses of charities and ensures they responsibly use the assets entrusted to them. “I’m troubled by both the allegations and the lack of transparency here, and this office will get to the bottom of it.” “Charity may begin at home for an individual, but it’s trouble when an executive for a charitable organization uses company resources for friends and family,” Yost said in a written statement at the time. In the wake of the Dispatch report and the zoo's subsequent investigation, Ohio Attorney General Dave Yost’s office announced on April 1 that its Charitable Law Section would investigate allegations involving Stalf and Bell. Ohio Attorney General and charity responsibility The review also found Stalf used zoo funds to purchase a recreational vehicle for his exclusive use and took it to Put-in-Bay for a family trip, and personally selected the vendor for a $2 million construction project at The Wilds for cabins and did not seek competitive bidding, amid other findings. The RV was either stored at his home or another off-site location.That investigation confirmed what The Dispatch uncovered: For years, Stalf and Bell sought tickets paid for by the zoo's marketing department so their family members could attend various entertainment events for free, and both men arranged for family members to live in homes owned or controlled by the zoo and set the rental prices. Stalf admitted his family used the RV for a trip to Put-in Bay. According to the report, Stalf allegedly directed the zoo to purchase the $45,000 vehicle so he would have a place to stay during events at The Wilds, which he did one time. Stalf is also accused of using an RV purchased by the zoo for personal use. The zoo also paid utilities, real estate taxes, and maintenance for both properties. Neither property was advertised to the public or offered to zoo employees. Stalf provided a list of improvements made shortly before the investigation began, the report states.īell is accused of renting a house owned by the zoo to his daughter and her college roommate. Stalf said the rent was in exchange for his in-laws making improvements on the property, but the investigation turned up no records showing what improvements were made to the property.

Stalf directed zoo funds to be used to renovate the home, spending between $18,000 and $28,000. In one case, the report alleges Stalf’s in-laws moved into a Dublin home gifted to the zoo in 2014, charging them $900 a month in rent. Ohio AG announces investigation after Columbus Zoo CEO, CFO resign amid allegations

Columbus zoo investigation