Following federal fraud convictions in June, Todd and Julie Chrisley, stars of the USA Network show Chrisley Knows Best, were sentenced to a combined total of 19 years in federal prison for hiding their wealth from tax authorities.
Todd and Julie Chrisley sentenced to 19 combined years in prison
The sentencing hearing for reality TV couple took place on Monday for reality television couple Todd and Julie Chrisley, who had been a staple of reality TV since 2014.
Reality took a new twist on Monday when a federal judge in Atlanta sentenced them to separate terms that totaled a combined 19 years in federal prison, Fox reported.
Five months earlier, a federal jury in Atlanta found the couple guilty of fraud, tax evasion, and conspiracy to defraud the United States.
The couple were accused of conspiring to defraud Atlanta-area banks out of more than $30 million in fraudulent loans in a scheme that went on for years, NBC reported. Julie Chrisley was further found guilty of wire fraud and obstruction of justice. The couple’s accountant was found guilty of tax fraud for filing false corporate tax returns on their behalf.
Prosecutors had sought between 210 and 262 months or roughly 17 to 22 years for Todd Chrisley, court documents showed, according to FOX 5. Prosecutors recommended 121 and 151 months, or roughly 10 to 12 years for Julie Chrisley.
Todd Chrisley was sentenced to 12 years. Julie Chrisley was sentenced to seven, according to the U.S. attorney’s office. The couple will also have to complete six months of probation following the end of their prison sentences. The couple’s report date is January 15, 2023.
Experts say chance for appeal and new trial is low
Attorneys for the Chrisleys argued a judge should grant the couple’s request for a new trial. Lawyers for the Chrisleys claim an IRS officer falsely testified, and the prosecution pushed her to do so.
The couple’s attorney said they plan to appeal the case. However, legal experts say that a very low percentage of federal appeals in such cases get granted, E! Online reported.
From ‘Chrisley Knows Best’ to long-term federal guests
Todd Chrisley is an Atlanta-based multimillionaire. He and his devoted wife Julie and their five children seemingly lived the picture-perfect southern life, enjoying everything money can buy, according to the blurb for their reality show on USA Network Chrisley Knows Best.
The successful show ran for nine seasons and 197 episodes from 2014 through 2022. It had been renewed for a 10th season even as they were set to stand trial.
