The stars of Chrisley Knows Best, Todd and Julie Chrisley, have been sentenced to 19 total years for their part in defrauding the United States government. Both Julie and Todd were indicted and charged with 12 counts of tax evasion, wire fraud and bank fraud in 2019. At the time, the couple was able to clear their names, claiming they were being framed. But during the trial, many testimonials pointed the finger at the reality TV couple.
The sentencing took place quickly for the couple as Page Six reported that Todd and Julie will soon be going to prison for the foreseeable future. Todd was given a sentence of 12 years as well as 16 months probation once he is released. His wife, Julie, was given a lighter sentence of only seven years but also will have 16 months of probation upon release. Before the sentencing, prosecutors asked for Todd to be given 22 years and Julie to be given 12 for their crimes.
Chrisley Knows Best Accountant Also Sentenced
Julie and Todd's accountant, Peter Tarantino, was also given time behind bars and will serve three years in prison, with three years of probation after he is released. In June, Todd and Julie were found guilty of trying to defraud banks out of more than $30 million in fraudulent loans. The Chrisley Knows Best couple was also found guilty of numerous tax crimes, which included trying to defraud the Internal Revenue Service.
Viewers of the USA reality show are not shocked by the outcome since the Chrisleys' case had a high monetary amount involved. The Department of Justice shared evidence that showed both Todd and Julie obtained loans and knowingly submitting false bank statements and audit reports. The money was then used to fund their ostentatious lifestyle, which included buying luxury cars, designer clothes and expensive vacations.
The Chrisley Knows Best stars are not the first couple to try and pull one over on the IRS. Joe and Teresa Giudice from The Real Housewives of New Jersey were indicted by the U.S. government on 39 counts that included mail and wire fraud, bank fraud, making false statements on loan applications and bankruptcy fraud. Jen Shah of The Real Housewives of Salt Lake City is also waiting to be sentenced after pleading guilty to wire fraud. While nothing has been announced regarding when Julie or Todd will start to serve out their time in prison, the next step is to figure out custody of their two underage children. This could mean that Todd and Julie serve one after another so the kids are not disrupted from their home. For now, the Chrisley Knows Best family is asking for payers.
Source: Page Six