Ex-Philadelphia Sportscaster Arrested in Charity Theft Probe

A veteran Philadelphia television personality was jailed Tuesday after turning himself in to face allegations that he duped at least 100 people who bought sports-related travel packages from him, ostensibly to aid local charities, The Philadelphia Inquirer reports.

Don Tollefson, 61, of Glenside, Pa., was charged with felony counts of theft and dealing in proceeds of unlawful activity. He remained in custody Tuesday after failing to post bond of $250,000.

Prosecutors said Mr. Tollefson, a former sports director at Philadelphia’s Fox and ABC affiliates, collected more than $100,000 selling excursions to Eagles road games and other sporting events. Buyers began coming forward last fall with claims that promised flight and game tickets were not delivered. Police said nonprofit beneficiaries, including the Special Olympics, the Salvation Army, and Mr. Tollefson’s own children’s charities, often did not receive the proceeds.