(TheLibertyRevolution.com)- Last Monday, a federal judge sentenced reality TV stars, Todd and Julie Chrisley, to prison on bank fraud charges and attempting to defraud the IRS.
The “Chrisley Knows Best” stars had been indicted in 2019 on charges of wire fraud, conspiracy to commit bank fraud, and conspiracy to defraud the United States.
In June, the couple was found guilty of conspiracy to defraud banks out of over $30 million in fraudulent loans. They were also found guilty of several tax crimes, including attempting to defraud the Internal Revenue Service.
Judge Eleanor L. Ross sentenced Todd Chrisley to 12 years in prison while Julie Chrisley was sentenced to seven years in prison. Both were sentenced to three years of supervision after release. They were also ordered to pay restitution, the amount of which will be determined at a later date.
The Chrisleys’ accountant Peter Tarantino was also sentenced to three years in prison and three years of supervised release.
According to the Justice Department, the Chrisleys obtained loans by providing false bank accounts, audit reports, and financial statements. They then used the money to purchase luxury cars, designer clothes, real estate, and travel.
While they were earning millions on their former reality show, the Chrisleys, along with their accountant Tarantino, conspired to defraud the IRS and evade collection of delinquent taxes.
In a statement last Tuesday, the Chrisleys’ attorney described the couple as “people of faith” and said their faith has given them strength “as they appeal their convictions.” The attorney argued that the couple’s trial had been “marred by serious and repeated errors,” but said that the Chrisleys are “optimistic” the conviction will be overturned on appeal.
The reality series “Chrisley Knows Best” debuted on the USA Network in 2014. The episodes that were filmed before the start of the trial are expected to air sometime next year.
