Todd and Julie Chrisley of Chrisley Knows Best spoke further on their sadness and heartbreak after being convicted of bank fraud and tax evasion. The Chrisleys were handed the verdict on June 7, when they were found guilty on all counts. Their accountant was also given a guilty verdict for similar charges. According to their lawyer, Bruce Morris, they plan to appeal the decision. The couple's lives are currently on pause as they await their sentencing later this year. They recently added new lawyers to their team ahead of their expected appeal request.
Real estate mogul Todd Chrisley was initially not bothered by talk of financial crimes committed when the allegations first surfaced in 2019. Todd was no stranger to this as he gained notoriety from another tax evasion case in 2012 that eventually put him on the map to reality stardom. Todd and wife Julie, a Miss Universe state director, were known for their resilience and multiple bankruptcy claims, despite having a reportedly high net worth. Fans had been entertained by their dramatic antics on the long-running reality show. Although Chrisley fans accused the family of bad acting and questioned the authenticity of their show, that only seemed to serve the Chrisleys well with millions of followers under their belt.
Reality stars Todd and Julie had been presenting themselves as people of faith thus far. During a recent episode of their podcast, Chrisley Confessions, the Georgia-based couple overtly stated that prayers from followers were needed more than anything to help them through their ordeal. Todd said, "It's a very sad, heartbreaking time for our family right now. We will hold steadfast in our faith and we trust that God will do what he does best because God's a miracle worker." The couple added that they will continue hosting their podcast for the time being and then "Chase and Savannah will take it over." Presumably, that change will occur following Todd and Julie's sentencing, which is set for October 6.
The Chrisleys were never short on scandals that have kept them afloat so far. As with another separate famous tax evasion scandal involving Martha Stewart, blame was footed onto a former employee. Mark Braddock was alleged to have presented false documents to the U.S. Attorney. Mark previously claimed that he and Todd had an affair in early 2000. This gave the Chrisleys an out and claim of innocence as they said Mark presented false evidence in retaliation against Todd and Julie, and that Mark would not be a reliable source against them, according to Todd’s lawyer. Further drama was brought on when Todd accused his daughter Lindsie Chrisley of an alleged affair with a tax investigator.
The continuous drama that the Chrisley Knows Best stars managed to drum up may be an answer to their prayers as the show does not plan to end with Todd and Julie’s sentencing. The Chrisleys have been entertaining millions with their showmanship, so the old adage that the show must go on appears to be the case for them. Even if the show were to go on without their parents, Chase and Savannah could potentially continue with their spin-off, Growing Up Chrisley. If anything, they will not be short on scandals.
Chrisley Knows Best returns June 23 at 9 p.m. EDT on USA.
Source: Chrisley Confessions/Apple Podcasts