Youth Pastor Charged in Voucher Card Theft from Downers Grove Charity

A youth pastor from Wheaton is accused of stealing voucher cards from Hope’s Front Door, a Downers Grove charity that operates out of the First Congregational United Church of Christ.

Rix Thorsell, age 27 of the 100 block of North Cross Street, Wheaton, was charged with theft from a place of worship, a Class 4 felony, according to the DuPage County State’s Attorney’s Office.

An office in the church was robbed the weekend of March 6, and about $4,000 worth of voucher cards belonging to Hope’s Front Door were stolen.

The cards were supposed to be given to people in need who could redeemed them at stores such as Jewel, McDonalds and Speedway.

The Downers Grove Police Department investigated the theft, and authorities identified Thorsell as a suspect because he allegedly used some of the missing vouchers and he had some in his possession, according to the state’s attorney’s office. Authorities found he’d had $400 worth of vouchers. They’re still trying to find the remaining cards.

Judge Robert Rohm issued a $25,000 arrest warrant March 26 for Thorsell, who turned himself in that day to Downers Grove police. Thorsell was released from custody after posting $2,500, which is 10 percent of the warrant.

Thorsell’s next court date is scheduled for April 6 in front of Judge John Kinsella, according to the state’s attorney’s office.

“The very idea that someone would steal voucher cards intended for food and other necessities for those in need is disgraceful,” said Berlin DuPage County State’s Attorney Robert B. Berlin in a statement. “The allegations against Mr. Thorsell are very serious and will be met with the full force of the law.”

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