Additional Coverage:
Reality TV stars Todd and Julie Chrisley, renowned for their show “Chrisley Knows Best” which documents their family’s opulent lifestyle, are facing changes to their legal saga. Julie Chrisley’s sentence related to bank fraud and tax evasion has been overturned by an appeals court, mandating a review and adjustment of her penalty due to a specified concern.
In 2022, the pair were found guilty of scheming to obtain over $30 million in fraudulent loans from community banks, and evading taxes by not declaring their actual income. Their accountant, Peter Tarantino, was also convicted alongside them for his role in defrauding the United States and filing incorrect tax returns.
The 11th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals, while upholding the convictions, noted an error in the judgement regarding Julie Chrisley. Specifically, the trial judge made a mistake in attributing the entire scope of the fraud to her, prompting a directive for re-sentencing.
Their lawyer expressed a mixed response, acknowledging the court’s decision about Julie’s sentence but expressing disappointment over the dismissal of Todd’s appeal. He conveyed hope for further positive developments.
Evidence presented in their trial depicted the Chrisleys’ lavish spending and manipulation of the financial system, including indulging in high-end lifestyle choices, and cycling through fraudulent loans to maintain their expenses. Todd Chrisley’s subsequent bankruptcy enabled him to evade over $20 million in loan repayments.
Julie received a seven-year prison term, while Todd was sentenced to 12 years, with both ordered to repay $17.8 million. Their defense challenged the trial’s credibility, arguing against the evidence and conduct surrounding the tax evasion and fraud charges.
The appeals court’s decision focuses on re-evaluating the extent of Julie Chrisley’s involvement in the fraud, specifically questioning her participation beginning in 2006. The court is tasked with recalculating her sentence based on a more accurate determination of her actions from 2007 onwards.
Todd, aged 56, is currently incarcerated in Pensacola, Florida, with a projected release in September 2032. Julie, 51, is in a Kentucky prison, with her release scheduled for July 2028. Meanwhile, Tarantino, aged 61, is serving time in Montgomery, Alabama, with a release expected next August.