Tollie’s Folly: Sportscaster Gets 2 to 4 Years In State Prison For Scams

Former Philadelphia sportscaster Don Tollefson will spend time in state prison.

Tollefson, known on TV by the nickname “Tollie,” was sentenced Wednesday afternoon in Doylestown to two to four years in a state prison and 15 years probation. According to the Bucks County District Attorney’s Office, Tollefson will owe $165,000 in restitution.

“Tollefson could be released in 18 months if he avoids further trouble in prison. His probation could also be reduced to 10 years if he makes full restitution to the victims from whom he took money,” according to Philly.com.

Tollefson went through more than $340,000 he obtained fraudulently over the course of several years, authorities said. The 62 year old was found guilty of first degree dealing in unlawful proceeds, two counts of third degree felony theft and two first degree misdemeanor counts connected to crimes involving charities in a trial earlier this year.

For several years, Tollefson sold travel and room packages in the name of charity. The packages ranged from several hundred to a few thousand dollars. In the end, the parties who purchased the ticket packages for Phillies spring-training games, Eagles games, the Super Bowl and Kentucky Derby never received the agreed upon sports trips and tickets they paid for.

During the multi-agency investigation, it was discovered that at least two of Tollefson’s charities, both for disadvantage children, were not registered with the state Bureau of Charitable Organizations.

Tollefson’s troubles were said to be linked to alcohol and painkiller addiction. He has since undergone treatment for his dependencies, Sharif Abaza, an attorney who used to represent Tollefson, told reporters in spring.

6abc reporter Chad Pradelli tweeted that Tollefson told the judge Wednesday what he did was “incredibly selfish.”

During Wednesday’s sentencing some strange details emerged:

Bizarre details emerging in Tollefson case. Psychologist testified he slept in his mom’s bed til age 16 and mom gave him daily enemas.

— LaurieMasonSchroeder (@LehighCourts) March 25, 2015

Tollefson has been in the Bucks County Correctional Facility since he was found guilty at trial. Sources in the prison have told LevittownNow.com that the former sportscaster often had conversations with inmates about his addiction troubles and sporting events, mostly the NFL playoffs.  

In early 2015, Tollefson rejected a plea deal from prosecutors that would have included seven months in state prison and more than a year of drug rehabilitation programs.

Tollefson supporter Bill Keenan asks people to “remember all the good that he did for charity” after sentencing. pic.twitter.com/YYlCHaScZT — NinetyNine (@MayorNinetyNine) March 25, 2015

Court appointed standby counsel Bob Goldman calls Tollefson verdict fair. pic.twitter.com/aVLwFiKxx8

— Jim Melwert (@Melwert1060) March 25, 2015

Bucks County ADA Matt Weintraub tells reporters state prison will be “harsh reality” to Tollefson. @KYWNewsradio pic.twitter.com/VmGXBjTgbd — Jim Melwert (@Melwert1060) March 25, 2015

Tollefson victim says he’s “too arrogant to even admit what he did. We removed his ability to do this to anybody.” pic.twitter.com/7oXXmgxWKl

— NinetyNine (@MayorNinetyNine) March 25, 2015