A disgraced former Philadelphia sportscaster headed to court Monday to face charges that he bilked more than $100,000 from a variety of charity events. In Bucks County Court Monday, prosecutors presented more than 200 victims and upped the total that Don Tollefson allegedly took to $317,000.
The former FOX29 and 6ABC sports anchor's lawyer put in guilty plead for his client to all charges including theft by deception and misrepresenting a charity if given a deferred sentence. Prosecutors requested full restitution to all victims.
Tollefson appeared thin when he arrived at a Doylestown court to face charges that he stole money from sports fans in a fraud scheme. He repeatedly thanked people for respecting his privacy as he entered court Monday morning.
Tollefson allegedly funneled money he raised on behalf of charitable organizations into his bank accounts, prosecutors said.
The 62-year-old was released from prison earlier this year to spend 30 days in a drug and alcohol treatment program. He has remained free on bail since then, according to court records.
Tollefson had requested a public defender represent him, citing money woes, but that request was rejected in May.
Outside court Monday morning Tollefson told reporters that he would be issuing a statement once he puts this incident behind him.
Sentencing is expected to take place in the next 60 days.
