Tollefson squares off with Bucks prosecutor

In a courtroom exchange worthy of prime-time TV, a Bucks County prosecutor on Wednesday pummeled Don Tollefson with questions about why his charity paid for his home's lawn care, a trip to the dentist, and his dogs' grooming.

The former sportscaster, on trial for fraud, gave an explanation for every expense and at one point accused prosecutor Matt Weintraub of rolling his eyes at the answers.

Tollefson contended that he was reimbursing himself after using his personal bank account to cover costs for his Winning Ways charity, which helps poor children. Or, he said, the charity paid for medical costs, a legitimate expense because he was its sole employee. He also said that his charity could pay his home's water bill because he had a home office.

Those answers failed to satisfy Weintraub.

"The truth is, you took the money from Winning Ways and laundered it through PNC and took the cash and used it for yourself," Weintraub said.

"How is that laundering?" Tollefson responded. "The money is mine. It's as transparent as can be."

Tollefson is accused of selling $340,000 worth of bogus travel packages to sports-related events in the name of Winning Ways. More than 200 people allegedly failed to receive tickets or airfare to the Kentucky Derby or Eagles road games.

The 90-minute showdown between Weintraub and Tollefson was the dramatic peak of the trial. At one point, County Court Judge Rea Boylan had to remove the jury and admonish both men to keep the interaction civil. She also told Tollefson to limit his often-lengthy explanations to yes and no answers.

Sifting through bank statements, Weintraub ticked off sums that Tollefson withdrew from the charity's account. They included $2,100 to a dog training program, $1,400 to Whole Foods, and two $9,000 payments to his personal account.

The evidence complemented last week's testimony from a special agent with the Pennsylvania Department of State who said Tollefson received nearly $200,000 in cashier's checks from Winning Ways.

Tollefson said he never had any criminal intent to defraud anyone, which is what Weintraub must prove.

The cross-examination is expected to continue Thursday.

610-313-8118 @Ben_Finley