A Bucks County jury will hear opening arguments in the case against a former Philadelphia sportscaster accused of stealing thousands of dollars in a charity scheme.
The jury will decide Don Tollefson's fate. Prosecutors said the 62-year-old former television personality used his fame to bilk sports fans out of more than $300,000 by selling fake sports-themed trips that he said would help various charities.
Before jury selection Monday, Tollefson refused a last-minute plea deal offered by the Bucks County Prosecutors Office. He decided to go ahead with jury selections and a jury of 12 and four alternates was then selected.
The details of the offered deal weren't released.
The famed Philadelphian faces theft by deception and related charges.
Last month, Tollefson said he disputed the $300,000 figure presented by prosecutors but was trying to raise money to pay back anyone he believes to have legitimate claims against him.
Prosecutors said he took money for nonexistent tickets and said some of it would go to charity.
Tollefson had pleaded guilty in September to defrauding at least 200 victims through travel packages to sporting events. Tollefson withdrew the guilty pleas last month and asked to represent himself at trial.
Last week, Tollefson went to Bucks County court to ask for a continuance in his trail on fraud charges and at least got some help as he defends himself in court.
"I am delighted to have Robert Goldman appointed as my standby counsel," said Tollefson as he left court a Doylestown court.
Tollefson earlier said that he was looking for an attorney willing to take on his case pro bono.
