March 28--A youth pastor at a Downers Grove church allegedly stole about $400 worth of vouchers meant to help people in need from a charity at the church where he worked, officials said.
Rix Thorsell, 27, of the 100 block of Cross Street in Wheaton, was charged with theft from a place of worship, a felony, according to a statement from the DuPage County state's attorney's office.
Officials at First Congregational Church and Hope's Front Door, a charity operating out of the church, contacted Downers Grove police after voucher cards, which could be redeemed for goods at local stores, were stolen from a church office between March 6 and 8, the state's attorney's office said. According to the statement, a total of $4,000 in vouchers was taken; the state's attorney's office said some of those vouchers, totalling about $3,600, are still missing.
Thorsell, who was allegedly using the vouchers, turned himself in to Downers Grove police Thursday after a warrant was issued for his arrest, according to the statement.
He posted 10 percent of his $25,000 bail and was released. His next court date is April 6.
