Theft trial ordered for ex-Philly TV sportscaster

A former Philadelphia television sportscaster has been ordered to stand trial on charges of stealing about $250,000 supposedly meant to go to charitable organizations.

Sixty-one-year-old Donald Tollefson waived a preliminary hearing in Bucks County on Thursday. His attorney said he wanted to spare witnesses from having to testify.

Prosecutors allege that he solicited money from about 150 people for bogus travel packages to sporting events in the name of charity.

District Judge Daniel Finello ordered the case to county court, calling it “a big disappointment to everyone in the Delaware Valley.” He told Tollefson that he had been “a trusted and respected member of the community.”

Defense attorney Sharif Abaza said his client had “an addiction problem” and has been working daily “to fight that addiction and remain in recovery.”