Don Tollefson granted release from Bucks Co. prison

DOYLESTOWN, Pa. - March 26, 2014

Tollefson will be released from prison on Thursday and must report directly to a suburban in-patient drug and alcohol treatment program for the next 30 days. He must also wear a GPS monitoring device while out on bail.

He is scheduled to appear in court again on May 29th.

Back in February Tollefson was charged with theft and other offenses after prosecutors say he stole more than $100,000 intended for charitable organizations.

The Bucks County District Attorney said Tollefson solicited funds on behalf of charities including the Special Olympics of Pennsylvania, the Salvation Army and the Brad Fox Foundation, then kept the money for himself.

The 61-year-old Tollefson worked for several Philadelphia radio and TV stations including Channel 6 more than two decades ago.

Investigators say he used his celebrity to sell packages to sporting events including the Eagles for hundreds of dollars.

Prosecutors say the alleged thefts from more than 100 people took place over the course of three years. Investigators are asking anyone else who may have been victimized to call Warminster Township police.

Tollefson was charged with felony theft and dealing in the proceeds of unlawful activity as well as misdemeanor violations of state law governing charities.

At his arraignment Tollefson said he was 131 days sober after a substance abuse problem and he was in a treatment program.

His attorney would only say there was no criminal intent.

Those charges are the latest in a series of fraud allegations linked to the former sportscaster.

In January a Montgomery County judge ordered Tollefson to reimburse two of many alleged fraud victims, a couple who did not receive promised plane tickets to last year's Super Bowl.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.

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