Philadelphia

Jury to Decide Fate of Disgraced Sportscaster Don Tollefson

After five hours of deliberation, a jury could not decide the fate of Don Tollefson. Closing arguments finished Tuesday in the trial of the disgraced former Philadelphia sportscaster. By 9:30 p.m., a judge ordered the jury to go home after they were unable to come up with a verdict. They will return Wednesday morning.

Tollefson's trial on accusations that he stole hundreds of thousands of dollars in a charity scheme began earlier this month following his last-minute rejection of a plea deal offered by the Bucks County Prosecutor's Office.

The 62-year-old is accused of using 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. Tollefson has defended himself in court, insisting he's not a crook, just bad with numbers.

In September, Tollefson pleaded guilty to defrauding at least 200 victims through travel packages to sporting events. He withdrew the guilty pleas last month and asked to represent himself at trial with help from a legal adviser. Tollefson disputes prosecution claims that he stole $300,000 and says he's trying to raise money for the people who have legitimate claims. During the trial, Tollefson was constantly been admonished by the judge and objected to by the prosecutor.

During closing arguments Tuesday, Tollefson once again claimed there was no criminal intent, he just made bad business decisions.

Copyright AP - Associated Press
Contact Us