DOYLESTOWN, Pa. — A former Philadelphia television sportscaster convicted of selling bogus sports-themed trips he said would help various charities has been sentenced to two to four years in prison.
Sixty-two-year-old Donald Tollefson apologized in Bucks County Court on Wednesday, saying every day was "a humiliating reflection" of his actions.
Tollefson worked for ABC and Fox affiliates for many years. Prosecutors accused him of defrauding more than 200 sports fans out of $340,000 worth of sports travel packages that never materialized. He portrayed himself as a bad businessman who tried to help too many charities.
Tollefson's attorney argued unsuccessfully that putting him behind bars would do little good. The attorney also cited all the good Tollefson's charities had done for poor children.
Tollefson earlier agreed to a plea deal calling for a seven-month sentence but withdrew the plea and went to trial.
