Former Sportscaster Don "Tollie" Tollefson Arrested on Felony Charges; Bail Set at $250,000
Wednesday, February 19, 2014
Ex-Sportscaster Bilked Over 100 in Scheme, Cops Say
Credit: Tom Sofield/LevittownNow.com
(February 18, 2014) Don Tollefson was known for using the word “awesome” during his television sports reports, but Tuesday was anything but awesome for the 61-year-old Glenside man.
Lead by police, the former 6abc and Fox 29 sportscaster was walked into Warminster’s district court building with a large group of reporters asking questions and capturing images of the regional celebrity in handcuffs. Inside he was arraigned on charges first degree felony dealing in the proceeds of unlawful activity, third degree felony charges of theft by unlawful taking, theft by deception and first degree misdemeanor violations of the Pennsylvania Charitable Organizations statute.
Tollefson’s legal team requested his bail should be unsecured; District Judge Daniel Finello disagreed and set the 61-year-old’s bail at 10 percent of $250,000.
Tollefson is accused of selling ticket, travel and room packages in the name of charity. The packages ranged from several hundred to a few thousand dollars. In the end, the parties who purchased the ticket packages for Phillies spring-training games, Eagles games, the Super Bowl and Kentucky Derby never receive agreed upon sports trips and tickets they paid for.
Officials say Tollefson, known to local television viewers as “Tollie,” scammed at least 100 people from around the Philadelphia and Lehigh Valley areas. Police say the former sportscaster “misappropriated” more than $100,000, adding that figure doesn’t include funds charity groups were promised but never received.
Deputy District Attorney Ryan Hyde speaking to the media.
Credit: Tom Sofield/LevittownNow.com
Deputy District Attorney Ryan Hyde said the investigation into Tollefson is ongoing. He said he believes there are many more victims, which means more misappropriated money.
According to the authorities, Tollefson fraudulently solicited money for charities and then misappropriated the cash. Some of the charities include the Special Olympics of Pennsylvania, the Salvation Army and the Brad Fox Foundation.
The Bucks County investigation began in September after organizers of the Brad Fox Foundation’s 5K run in Warminster told the township’s police that 18 people bought $500 packages that granted them travel, hotel and tickets for an out-of-town Eagles game. The problem: the people who bought the tickets, which were to benefit the Brad Fox Foundation and Tollefson’s One Child Saved charity, never materialized. Also, no refund was ever offered or received, court papers say.
The father of fallen police officer Brad Fox told Tollefson he would have to follow through with the ticket packages or give the victims their money back. In the end, Tollefson did not follow through with the request, police said.
Credit: Tom Sofield/LevittownNow.com
Investigators have discovered that at least two of Tollefson’s charities, both for disadvantage children, were not registered with the state Bureau of Charitable Organizations. Only charities making less than $25,000 a year do not have to register.
Tollefson is accused of telling people who bought ticket packages that his organizations were tax exempt, which digging by police revealed is not true, according to court papers.
Hyde said more charges could be lodged against Tollefson. He did not comment on whether anyone was involved and will be charged in the scam, which goes back at least three years.
Media from around the region surrounding the former broadcaster.
Credit: Tom Sofield/LevittownNow.com
Before the judge, Tollefson said he is currently on Social Security disability and has been “sober” for 131 days. Sources have said Tollefson entered rehab last year for addiction to prescription drugs.
While waiting for Tollefson to arrive for arraignment, several former co-workers from his days on television noted the irony that he was now the focus on their attention. A weathered-looking Tollefson even smiled and said hi to one television reporter.
Hyde said the people of the Philadelphia area are very charitable and some are likely “embarrassed” to come forward. However he encouraged them to do so.
Authorities ask anyone who thinks they may be a victim to call Warminster Detective John Bonargo at 215-343-0100 or 215-672-1000.
Editor’s Note: All individuals arrested or charged with a crime are presumed innocent until proven guilty. Story was compiled using information from police and public court documents.
