CITY OF WHEATON: Lombard Man Sentenced to Three Years for Using Charitable Funds for Personal Use

By Press release submission

Jun 24, 2020

City of Wheaton issued the following announcement on June 17.

DuPage County State’s Attorney Robert B. Berlin and Wheaton Deputy Chief of Police P.J. Youker announced today that a Lombard man has entered a plea of guilty to stealing funds from a not-for-profit agency intended to aid United States veterans.

Todd Olshefski, 51 (d.o.b. 3/18/1969) appeared in court on June 17 where Judge George Bakalis sentenced him to three years in the Illinois Department of Corrections. Olshefski pled guilty to one count of Use of Charitable Trust Funds for Personal Benefit, a Class 2 Felony. On March 6, 2020, after pleading guilty to the same charge, Olshefski’s wife, Priscilla, 60 (d.o.b. 5/20/1958) was sentenced to 180 days in the DuPage County Jail and one year of conditional discharge.

The charges against the Olshefskis stem from a 10-month investigation conducted by the Wheaton Police Department, with assistance from the Illinois Attorney General’s Office, following numerous complaints regarding the couple’s aggressive soliciting tactics, use of intimidation and concerns surrounding the legitimacy of the Veteran’s Christian Network (VCN), a not-for profit organization created by the Olshefskis. The investigation found that at least $10,000 from donations made to the charity were used by the defendants for lodging, vehicle loans, auto insurance, medical equipment, a personal storage unit and veterinary bills for their dog.

“Not only did Todd and Priscilla Olshefski take advantage of the generosity of DuPage County residents, they did so at the expense of Veterans,” Berlin said. “Thanks to the outstanding work of the Wheaton Police Department, we were able to put an end to this deplorable scheme and close down a so-called charity that served only the Olshefskis. I would like to thank the Wheaton Police Department again for their work that allowed us to bring charges against these two defendants. I would like to thank the Illinois Attorney General’s Office for their assistance. I would also like to thank Assistant State’s Attorney Kate Klosowski for her efforts in holding Todd and Priscilla Olshefski responsible for their actions.”

“Wheaton’s community is known for giving back to others in need, and to take advantage of the community’s generosity was inexcusable,” Deputy Chief P.J. Youker said. “The Wheaton Police Department appreciated the collaboration of the Illinois Attorney General’s Office and State’s Attorney Bob Berlin’s Office, whose assistance made the Olshefskis’ convictions possible. I would also like to highlight the outstanding work of Detective Tim Green for his extensive work and thorough investigation into the Olshefskis’ criminal activities.”

Priscilla Olshefski received credit for time served and was released at sentencing. Todd Olshefski will be required to serve 50% of his sentence before being eligible for parole.

Original source can be found here.