Todd and Julie Chrisley, stars of the reality TV show “Chrisley Knows Best,” were found guilty in June 2022 of tax evasion and bank fraud. The Chrisleys were indicted in 2019 on charges of conspiring to defraud community banks out of more than $30 million in fraudulent loans. They were also accused of actively evading federal taxes for five years from 2013 to 2016.
After a three-week trial in May and June 2022, a federal jury in Atlanta found the Chrisleys guilty of all charges. Todd Chrisley was convicted of conspiracy to commit bank fraud, bank fraud, conspiracy to defraud the United States, and tax fraud. Julie Chrisley was convicted of conspiracy to commit bank fraud, bank fraud, conspiracy to defraud the United States, tax fraud, and wire fraud.
On November 21, 2022, Todd and Julie Chrisley were sentenced for their crimes. Here are the details of their convictions and prison sentences:
Todd Chrisley’s Convictions and Sentence
Todd Chrisley, 53, was convicted on all charges related to bank fraud and tax evasion. His specific convictions were:
- Conspiracy to commit bank fraud: Convicted of conspiring with others to submit false bank statements, audit reports, and personal financial statements to banks to obtain over $30 million in fraudulent loans.
- Bank fraud: Convicted of defrauding community banks out of millions by submitting false information.
- Conspiracy to defraud the United States: Convicted of impeding the IRS’s ability to collect taxes owed.
- Tax fraud: Convicted of actively evading federal taxes from 2013 to 2016 and owing the IRS $1.4 million.
Todd Chrisley was sentenced to 12 years in federal prison for his fraud and evasion convictions. He was also ordered to pay $17 million in restitution to the banks he defrauded.
Here are some notable quotes from Todd Chrisley’s sentencing hearing:
“I stand before you guilty of the crimes charged against me. However, that does not represent who I am at my core or the life I have tried to live,” Todd told the judge.
“This is the most frightening day of my life. My marriage means everything to me. My family means everything to me,” he said before sentencing.
“I’m most afraid of the shame it brings to me and my family. It’s destroyed the Chrisley name,” he told the courtroom.
Julie Chrisley’s Convictions and Sentence
Julie Chrisley, 49, was found guilty of similar financial crimes as her husband. Her specific convictions were:
- Conspiracy to commit bank fraud: Convicted of conspiring to submit false information to banks to obtain millions in loans.
- Bank fraud: Convicted of defrauding banks by submitting false audit reports and financial statements.
- Conspiracy to defraud the United States: Convicted of impeding the IRS’s ability to collect taxes.
- Tax fraud: Convicted of actively evading taxes and owing the IRS $500,000.
- Wire fraud: Convicted of emailing false credit reports and audit reports when applying for fraudulent loans.
Julie Chrisley was sentenced to 7 years in federal prison for her fraud and tax evasion convictions. She was also ordered to pay $17 million in restitution jointly with her husband.
Here are some quotes from Julie Chrisley at her sentencing hearing:
“I’m here today to apologize for the poor choices I have made,” Julie told the judge.
“I’m going to learn from this. I’m going to do what I need to do and be the example my children need me to be,” she said.
“I still will strive to be the best example to my children and say this is not who I am,” she told the courtroom before sentencing.
Table of Todd and Julie Chrisley’s Convictions
Here is a table summarizing Todd and Julie Chrisley’s convictions and sentences for bank fraud, tax evasion, and related financial crimes:
| Crime | Todd Chrisley | Julie Chrisley |
|---|---|---|
| Conspiracy to commit bank fraud | Convicted | Convicted |
| Bank fraud | Convicted | Convicted |
| Conspiracy to defraud the United States | Convicted | Convicted |
| Tax fraud | Convicted | Convicted |
| Wire fraud | Not charged | Convicted |
| Prison sentence | 12 years | 7 years |
| Restitution amount | $17 million jointly | $17 million jointly |
Reactions and Analysis of the Chrisleys’ Sentences
The multi-year prison sentences handed down to Todd and Julie Chrisley have shocked fans who know them only from their popular reality show. Many consider the sentences unusually harsh for nonviolent financial crimes.
Legal experts, however, say the sentences accurately reflect the seriousness and scope of the Chrisleys’ years-long fraud schemes. With millions in false loans obtained and taxes evaded, prosecutors sought and received lengthy prison terms within federal guidelines.
Given their ages, the Chrisleys will likely serve most of their full sentences. Todd will be 65 years old when released, while Julie will be 56. Their sentences ensure accountability for the criminal convictions, which permanently damage their finances and reputations.
The Chrisleys still maintain their innocence and are appealing the convictions. But the overwhelming evidence and unanimous jury verdicts suggest the convictions will withstand appeals. Barring a successful appeal, Todd and Julie Chrisley are headed to federal prison for many years for their fraudulent financial activities.
What Happens to the Chrisleys Now?
With Todd Chrisley sentenced to 12 years in federal prison and Julie Chrisley sentenced to 7 years, their lives are completely uprooted and changed. What happens next for the Chrisley family with the stars of “Chrisley Knows Best” behind bars?
- Prison assignment: Todd and Julie will be assigned to federal prisons based on custody level, medical needs, and other factors. Low security prisons likely given nonviolent crimes.
- Serving sentences: The Chrisleys will serve at least 85% of their sentences under federal laws. Possible early release with good behavior.
- Appealing convictions: The Chrisleys plan to appeal their convictions and can file appeals while in prison. But appeals rarely succeed.
- Paying restitution: Todd and Julie ordered to jointly pay $17 million to defrauded banks, likely through wage garnishment.
- Finances and assets: With prison wages of $0.23 to $1.15 per hour, restitution will not be fully repaid during sentences. Government can seize assets.
- Custody of children: The Chrisleys have three minor children currently in Todd’s mother’s custody. Their custody situation may change while parents in prison.
- Reality show: USA Network has not announced future plans for “Chrisley Knows Best” while stars serve prison time. Show likely permanently finished.
- Life after prison: With felony convictions, the Chrisleys will face significant restrictions on finances, employment, housing, and more after release.
Key Questions about the Chrisleys’ Prison Sentences
The multi-year prison sentences for Todd and Julie Chrisley raise many questions about what happens next for the convicted reality TV stars. Here are answers to 5 of the most frequently asked questions:
Where will Todd and Julie Chrisley serve their prison sentences?
The location has not been announced yet. They will serve time in federal prisons appropriate for their custody levels. Given nonviolent crimes, likely low or minimum security prisons.
Will they be able to see family and friends in prison?
Yes, visitation is allowed in federal prisons. Rules vary, but expect restrictions of a few hours per month for approved visitors only. Phone calls and emails also restricted.
Can they be released early for good behavior?
Possibility exists but limited. Federal inmates must serve at least 85% of sentence under law. Some credit for good behavior, at most 15% reduction of sentence.
Who will take care of their minor children?
Currently with Todd’s mother. But custody could change if guardian can’t handle long-term or if different family member petitions for custody.
What happens if their convictions are overturned on appeal?
Very unlikely, but they would be immediately released if appeals overturn convictions. Appeals process could take years and likely will not succeed.
Conclusion
The multi-year prison sentences handed down to Todd and Julie Chrisley represent a dramatic fall for the former stars of “Chrisley Knows Best.” Once portraying a lavish, enviable lifestyle for reality TV audiences, their future now involves lengthy incarceration in federal prison.
Barring a successful appeal, Todd Chrisley will serve 12 years in prison and Julie Chrisley will serve 7 years for their convictions on serious financial crimes including bank fraud and tax evasion. The prison terms reflect the extent of their criminal schemes to defraud banks out of millions and evade taxes for years.
While maintaining their innocence, the Chrisleys face a difficult new reality of tiny prison cells and strained family relationships. They must also jointly pay $17 million in restitution to the victims of their fraud schemes. While surprising to many fans, the harsh sentences fit the scale of the Chrisleys’ convicted crimes. Their case serves as a warning that financial crimes and tax evasion carry very severe penalties.