The ongoing saga of Todd and Julie Chrisley, stars of the former reality show "Chrisley Knows Best," continues as they push to appeal their convictions for bank fraud and tax evasion. As reported by FOX 5 Atlanta, the U.S. Court of Appeals for the 11th Circuit has scheduled an appeal hearing for the couple on April 19. Convicted of defrauding banks out of more than $30 million and tax fraud, they have been serving their sentences since January 2023.
The Chrisleys allure as reality TV's emblem of opulence unraveled amidst allegations of falsifying documents, tax evasion, and a bankruptcy that, according to prosecutors, conveniently coincided with the launch of their show, as detailed in court documents. Both Todd and Julie, sentenced to a combined 19 years in prison, now challenge the rulings handed down to them. Todd disputes accusations and demands a new trial on the majority of charges, aiming to acquit himself on two tax-related counts, while Julie seeks acquittal on all bank fraud charges and resentencing on others, attributing the hefty $17.2 million restitution and forfeiture demands to their joint infractions.
Adding to the fray, Peter Tarantino, the couple's former accountant convicted of tax-related crimes, is also appealing his three-year sentence. According to The Atlanta Journal-Constitution, he seeks a new trial for tax evasion-related charges and a reconsideration of his $35,000 fine.
Despite the legal turmoil, the reality stars have maintained their innocence, blaming the fraud on a former business manager who acted as the key witness in their case. Revelations have surfaced suggesting that the Chrisleys were banking over $600,000 a month before their conviction, but their excess did not stop them from engaging in a multimillion-dollar scheme that contributed to the demise of several community banks in Atlanta. As reported by The Atlanta Journal-Constitution, the couple paid their federal taxes owed before sentencing but are dogged by their "egregious greed and flamboyance" as highlighted by the judge during their sentencing.
The couple's children have publicly vouched for their parents, outlining grievances about imprisonment conditions, such as inhumane heat and expired food. Todd Chrisley shared on his daughter's podcast that he has been choosing to make purchases from the prison commissary instead of consuming the provided meals, which he deemed inadequate. Despite the familial outcries and attempts at legal maneuvers, the Chrisleys' fate now resides in the hands of appellate judges. The outcome of the April 19 hearing could rewrite their story or affirm it as a cautionary tale of reality TV's deceptive sheen of success.
