“Chrisley Knows Best” Couple Sentenced in Bank Fraud and Tax Evasion Case

Todd and Julie Chrisley of “Chrisley Knows Best” were collectively sentenced to 19 years for what’s described as a “15-year fraud spree.”

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According to WSB-TV in Atlanta, Todd Chrisley was sentenced to 12 years while Julie was sentenced only seven years.

The couple was convicted in June of tax evasion and bank fraud. Prosecutors say the couple falsified records to get up to $30 million in bank loans, then Todd allegedly filed for bankruptcy and defaulted on $20 million. The federal jury found that the couple hid millions of dollars from the IRS. 

Federal prosecutors wanted Tod to serve 17-21 years and up to 10-12 years for Julie. In a sentencing memo, prosecutors point to the couple flaunting their wealth on their hit television show while stiffing contractors and service workers. The memo alleges that the couple jumped from one scheme to another while evading their taxes and “their  ’empire’ was built upon the backs of defrauded community banks that collapsed while Todd Chrisley used the stolen money to fly to Los Angeles for bi-weekly haircuts.”

Peter Tarantino, the couple’s accountant, was sentenced to three years for conspiring to defraud the IRS and filing false tax returns. 

 Bruce Morris, Todd Chrisley’s defense attorney, tried to get a reduced sentence. Morris argued that the delinquent taxes were paid and that many people depend on Todd for their income.

Another attorney for the Chrisleys, Alex Little, said they will appeal the conviction.