Tom Stalf, former CEO of Columbus Zoo, is sentenced to prison in connection with theft scandal

Zoo spokeswoman Nicolle Gómez Racey called it a “calculated and premeditated theft,” leaving “a deep trail of distrust.”

Stalf expressed no emotion, showed no tears or stopped his speech, telling the judge: “I take full responsibility for my criminal actions and I would like to apologize to the community, to the courts and especially to my family.”

Stalf, 56, a resident of Ostrander, just north of the zoo in Liberty Township in southern Delaware County, has three children, 11, 19 and 22, at least two of whom appeared to be the only people sitting behind him in a show of support.

In addition to jail, Stalf was ordered to pay $315,573. His former employer, Germain Honda from Dublin, has already paid $400,000 on his behalf.