Reality TV stars Todd and Julie Chrisley, known for their show “Chrisley Knows Best,” are currently serving prison time after being convicted of federal charges of bank fraud and tax evasion. The couple, along with their accountant Peter Tarantino, are now challenging aspects of their convictions and sentences in a federal appeals court. The Chrisleys were initially charged in August 2019, and in June 2022, a jury found them guilty of conspiring to defraud community banks of over $30 million in fraudulent loans, as well as tax evasion and other charges.
Todd Chrisley, 56, is currently serving time at a federal prison camp in Pensacola, Florida, with a release date in October 2032, while Julie Chrisley, 51, is housed in a facility in Lexington, Kentucky, with a release date in July 2028. Tarantino, 61, was found guilty of conspiracy to defraud the United States and is serving time in a federal prison camp in Montgomery, Alabama, with a release date in September of next year. The trio is set to appear before the 11th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals in Atlanta to present their arguments on the matter.
Prosecutors have alleged that the Chrisleys engaged in an extensive bank fraud scheme by submitting fake documents to banks to secure fraudulent loans, and later walked away from their responsibilities when Todd declared bankruptcy. They were accused of hiding their earnings from the IRS while flaunting their extravagant lifestyle on their reality show. The Chrisleys’ lawyers argue that there were errors in the trial, including false testimony from an IRS officer and improperly admitted evidence, and maintain that there was not enough evidence to support the convictions for tax evasion and conspiracy against the couple.
The defense team for the Chrisleys is challenging the convictions and sentences, claiming that Julie should be acquitted of the bank fraud charges and have her sentence reduced. They argue that Todd should be acquitted on the tax evasion and conspiracy counts, or be granted a new trial. Prosecutors, on the other hand, argue that there was sufficient evidence to support the charges and verdicts, and that the IRS agent testified to the best of her recollection. They maintain that there was no harm done to Tarantino by being tried with the Chrisleys, as there was evidence of his personal involvement in the fraudulent conduct.
Tarantino’s lawyer has filed a motion with the appeals court, urging a reversal of his client’s conviction and a new trial. They argue that Tarantino did not intentionally facilitate the Chrisleys’ conduct and that the confusion and bias of the jurors led to the convictions of all three defendants on all counts. Prosecutors contend that there was substantial evidence of Tarantino’s involvement and that he cannot demonstrate actual harm from being tried alongside the Chrisleys. The case highlights the complex legal challenges faced by reality TV stars who find themselves entangled in legal battles related to their financial dealings.
