Lombard Couple Charged With Misusing Charitable Funds In Wheaton

WHEATON, IL — A Lombard man and woman have been charged with using aggressive solicitation tactics in Wheaton, according to police. Priscilla Olshefski, 60, and Todd Olshefski, 50, are accused of misusing charitable funds that were intended to help an organization called Veteran's Christian Network (VCN).

Wheaton police arrested them at the SureStay Plus Hotel, located in the 200 block of 22nd Street in Lombard, where they had been living.

In a news release, Wheaton Police Chief Bill Murphy said that a 10-month investigation "uncovered information indicating the Olshefskis were abusing the community's trust by allegedly misusing charitable funds that were intended to help those in need. Our detectives did a thorough, exhaustive investigation to bring charges in this instance."

Police say the investigation was launched after they got several complaints from residents who questioned the legitimacy of VCN as a non-profit. The complaints reportedly included accusations that the Olshefskis used intimidation and other tactics to pressure residents for money.

The Olshefskis have been formally charged with felony counts of violation of the Solicitation for Charity Act. They are currently being held at the DuPage County Jail.