Federal jury finds Todd and Julie Chrisley guilty of fraud
Each face up to 30 years in federal prison
Todd and Julie Chrisley, stars of the USA Network television show “Chrisley Knows Best,” at the Country Music Awards in 2017. They were convicted on Tuesday of financial crimes.Credit...Jordan Strauss/Invision, via AP
June 7, 2022
Reality TV star Todd Chrisley and his wife, Julie, have been found guilty of fraud.
The couple from “Chrisley Knows Best” had been on trial to face criminal bank fraud and tax evasion charges.
A jury found them guilty on all counts.
The case involved an allegation of $30 million in fraudulent bank loans the government says the Chrisleys took out to fund their lavish lifestyle and extravagant spending — even before becoming reality TV stars.
Prosecutors alleged that the Chrisleys submitted fake documents to banks when applying for loans. They said Julie Chrisley also submitted a false credit report and fake bank statements when trying to rent a house in California, and then the couple refused to pay rent a few months after they started using the home.
They used a film production company they controlled to hide income to keep the IRS from collecting unpaid taxes owed by Todd Chrisley, prosecutors said.
Both Chrisleys were charged with conspiracy to commit bank fraud, bank fraud, conspiracy to defraud the United States and tax fraud. Julie Chrisley was also charged with wire fraud and obstruction of justice.
The Chrisleys maintained they did nothing wrong and someone else had control of their finances.
Federal prosecutors said the Chrisleys’ wealth was a lie and the couple manufactured documents and defrauded area banks out of $30 million in loans, eventually filing bankruptcy and walking away from more than $20 million owed.
“As today’s outcome shows, when you lie, cheat and steal, justice is blind as to your fame, your fortune, and your position,” said Keri Farley, Special Agent in Charge of FBI Atlanta. “In the end, when driven by greed, the verdict of guilty on all counts for these three defendants proves once again that financial crimes do not pay.”
After they were found guilty, U.S. District Judge Eleanor Ross allowed the Chrisleys to remain free on bond. But she placed them on location monitoring and home detention, meaning they can only leave the house for certain reasons, including work, medical appointments and court appearances. They also have to alert their probation officers to any spending over $1,000, according to the order entered Tuesday.
“Chrisley Knows Best” follows the tight-knit, boisterous Chrisley family. The series was just renewed by USA for a 10th season, while spinoff “Growing Up Chrisley,” featuring Chrisley kids Chase and Savannah living in Los Angeles, was just renewed by E! for a fourth season.
Sentencing has been scheduled for October 6 at 9:30 a.m.