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Former Downers Grove youth pastor gets jail time for theft

A former youth pastor at a Downers Grove church pleaded guilty Thursday to misdemeanor theft from the church where he worked.

Rix Thorsell, 27, of the 100 block of Cross Street in Wheaton, was immediately sentenced to 14 days in DuPage County jail and ordered to pay restitution in the amount of $3,100 and write a letter of apology to the church.

According to prosecutors, Thorsell stole about $4,000 worth of vouchers to local establishments, meant to help people in need.

Officials at First Congregational Church and Hope's Front Door, a charity operating out of the church, contacted Downers Grove police after the voucher cards were stolen from a church office between March 6 and 8.

Thorsell was soon recognized redeeming some of the vouchers at a local grocery store and subsequently turned himself into police.

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