Reality television couple Todd Chrisley and his wife Julie Chrisley were found guilty of federal fraud charges and sentenced to prison. Todd Chrisley was sentenced to 12 years and Julie Chrisley to 7. They were accused of tax crimes, bank fraud, and conspiracy to defraud US banks.
The couple is known for their American reality television series “Chrisley Knows Best”.
They were indicted in 2019 and found guilty in June.
They were impeached by a federal jury in Atlanta for a fraudulent loan scheme of more than $30 million out of Atlanta-area banks which went on for years.
The couple is also accused of submitting false documents for bank loan requests and hiding income from the IRS using a production company. Meanwhile, they were telecasting their luxurious lifestyle.
Todd Chrisley declared bankruptcy when the fraudulent bank scheme began falling apart. Their reality show started while in bankruptcy.
Even when they were both dated to trial their reality series was renewed for its 10th season the same month.
They also attempted justice obstruction before and during the trial. Julie Chrisley was further indicted for wire fraud when she submitted a document as a response to a grand jury subpoena that turned out to be a fraud. They were sentenced by U.S. District Judge Eleanor Judge.
Their accountant was also found guilty on their behalf of filing false corporate taxes and tax crime.
An attorney for Todd Chrisley, Bruce Morris, said he expects to appeal after not immediately responding to a comment request.
The couple evaded paying Todd’s 2009 delinquent taxes and failed to timely file tax returns from 2013 to 2016 while they were having an income above millions from their ventures. The Chrisleys and the Georgia Department of Revenue agreed on a settlement to avoid state charges by paying a $147,944.75 fine in 2019. During the 2013-2016 tax years they had also received refunds above $66,000.
Prosecutors wrote that the Chrisleys have built an empire based on the lie that their wealth came from dedication and hard work.
They were in favor of the jury’s unanimous verdict which stated that Todd and Julie Chrisley are career swindlers who have made a living by jumping from one fraud scheme to another, lying to the banks, stiffing vendors, and evading taxes at every corner.
They further said that The Chrisleys are unique given the varied and wide-ranging scope of their fraudulent conduct and the extent to which they engaged in fraud and obstructive behavior for a prolonged period of time.
Both their attorneys argued in court for lesser sentences. For Todd Chrisley, his attorney argued for less than nine years, and for Julie Chrisley probation with special conditions and no prison time were argued.
Todd Chrisley’s lawyers said that he has medical conditions that would make imprisonment disproportionately harsh. They also noted that he has no history of serious crimes and the accused offenses were committed years ago and the government never produced any evidence against the bank fraud indictment. The calculated loss amount was also incorrect.
His lawyers were also able to produce letters from his friends and associates that show his empathetic nature. They further argued that people who depend on Chrisley will suffer during the sentence.
For Julie Chrisley lawyers contended that her role in the conspiracy is negligible. Her lawyers said that she has no prior convictions and they asked for a probation sentence, requital, and community service while writing that she has extraordinary family obligations.
Character witness letters that quoted her as hardworking, unfailingly selfless, devoted to her family and friends, highly respected by all who know her, and strong of character were also submitted.
The couple have three children together.
The show that gained them fame, “Chrisley Knows Best”, is widely acclaimed for tackling real-life scenarios across varied domains.
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