In March 2014, the USA network premiered Chrisley Knows Best and introduced the world to the Chrisley family, and it's time to discuss the legal troubles that Todd and Julie Chrisley have had. The family was portrayed as being traditional, religious and Southern, and was led by the family's patriarch. Despite the show's entertaining nature and excellent ratings, several questions were raised by fans. While the Chrisleys said they were strong Christians, some fans wondered about Todd's sexuality. Many also accused Todd of using cosmetic surgeries to maintain his youthful appearance. Certain critics even speculated that the show was scripted.
Regardless of all the questions, many viewers fell in love with the Chrisley Knows Best family. Therefore, it came as a shock to fans when Todd and Julie were indicted, and charged with 12 counts of tax evasion, bank fraud, and wire fraud. The family's accountant Peter Tarrantino was also indicted and accused of tax evasion. Todd and Julie were eventually taken into custody, but were released after they explained to law enforcement officials that they had no involvement in the fraudulent activities. They claimed that they were being framed by a former employee. Although they were released from custody, a trial date was set, so the case could be formally handled. At this point, people began to gossip, and discuss Todd's 2012 and 2013 bankruptcy filings, for himself and his business.
The trial for the case began in May 2022, and Todd and Julie's story (they said that they knew nothing about the alleged crimes) quickly fell apart when their former employee Mark Braddock testified against them. The Chrisleys and Tarrantino had pleaded not guilty, but when Braddock testified, he said that he and the Chrisleys committed the crimes together. Braddock added that he would fabricate tax documents and submit them to banks, and pretend to be Todd in emails and phone calls. When Todd and Julie were first charged, and made a public statement about the matter, Todd mentioned that his former employee was submitting fake documents to law enforcement. This could prove that Todd was aware of fabricated documents but never said anything about them until the situation became public knowledge.
Braddock also said that the famous Chrisley family was using loans to live beyond their means. He also alleged that he and Todd were in an intimate relationship, and claimed that he and Todd were forced to pay an anonymous blackmailer $38,000 in cash after they received threats that their relationship would be exposed.
Todd's eldest daughter Lindsie Chrisley, with whom he has had a bad relationship in the past, tried to do damage control on her father's behalf, but this did not go well. She formerly accused him of exploitation. Lindsie retracted all former allegations against her father, painting her dad as a family man, but she was viewed as sarcastic and defensive. Her attitude caused an uproar amongst the jury, and Lindsie was reprimanded by the judge. After closing statements were made, the Chrisleys were found guilty on all counts. It seems as though Todd was hopeful that things would work in his family's favor, because on June 5, he posted a quoted image on his Instagram page, reminding fans that God's in control.
While the Chrisley Knows Best couple has been found guilty, they are still awaiting their October 6 sentencing. As they wait, the couple plan on appealing their verdict. The Chrisleys may have to pay a fine, and could be sentenced to years in jail. The usual sentence for tax evasion and fraud is about five years, but it is rumored that the Chrisleys may face up to 30 years in prison.