Reality TV Stars Receive Sentences For Tax Evasion And Fraud
(PatriotWise.com) – Reality TV stars Todd and Julie Chrisley were sentenced to prison in federal court last Monday.
The “Chrisley Knows Best” stars had been indicted in 2019 on charges of wire fraud, conspiracy to commit bank fraud, and conspiracy to defraud the United States.
In June, the couple was found guilty of conspiracy to defraud banks out of over $30 million in fraudulent loans. They were also found guilty of several tax crimes, including attempting to defraud the Internal Revenue Service.
Last Monday, Judge Eleanor L. Ross sentenced Todd Chrisley to 12 years in prison while Julie Chrisley was sentenced to seven years in prison. Both were also sentenced to three years of supervision after release. They were also ordered to pay restitution, the amount of which will be determined at a later date.
The Chrisleys’ accountant Peter Tarantino was also sentenced to three years in prison and three years of supervised release.
According to the Justice Department, the evidence showed that the Chrisleys obtained loans by providing false bank accounts, audit reports, and financial statements. They then used the money to purchase luxury cars, designer clothes, travel, and real estate.
Then, while they were earning millions on their former reality show, the Chrisleys, along with their accountant Tarantino, conspired to defraud the IRS and evade collection of delinquent taxes.
In a statement last Tuesday, an attorney for Todd and Julie Chrisley described the couple as “people of faith” and said their faith has given them strength “as they appeal their convictions.” The attorney claimed the couple’s trial had been “marred by serious and repeated errors,” adding that they are “optimistic” the conviction will be overturned on appeal.
The reality series “Chrisley Knows Best” debuted on the USA Network in 2014. It is expected that the episodes filmed before the trial will debut sometime next year.
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