On May 2, 2019, shortly before 2:00 p.m., the Wheaton Police Department with assistance of the Lombard Police Department arrested Priscilla Olshefski, 60, and Todd Olshefski, 50, of Lombard, Ill., at the SureStay Plus Hotel, 222 E. 22nd Street in Lombard, for a Violation of Solicitation for Charity Act, a class 2 felony.
The Olshefskis were allegedly soliciting on behalf of the Veteran's Christian Network (VCN). The Wheaton Police Department received numerous complaints in reference to aggressive soliciting tactics, intimidation, and concerns surrounding the legitimacy of VCN as a not-for-profit organization. The arrests came at the conclusion of a 10-month investigation by Wheaton Police Detectives with assistance from the Illinois Attorney General and the DuPage County State's Attorney's Office.
Priscilla Olshefski
222 E. 22nd Street
Lombard, IL
Age 60
Todd Olshefski
222 E. 22nd Street
Lombard, IL
Age 50
"The Olshefskis are alleged to have been preying on the charitable nature of our community,” said Wheaton Police Chief Bill Murphy. “The 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."
The Olshefskis were transported to the DuPage County Jail, where they will be held until a bond court appearance.
The Wheaton Police Department reminds the community to be prudent when making charitable donations and suggests that they educate themselves about the organizations they support before donating. Contact the Police Department when solicitors are aggressive, obstruct traffic, or appear illegitimate.
Notice to Public: The public is reminded that a complaint contains only charges and is not proof of the defendant’s guilt. Constitutionally, a defendant is presumed innocent and is entitled to a fair trial in which it is the government’s burden to prove his or her guilt beyond a reasonable doubt.