Reality Stars Sentenced In Massive Fraud Scheme

Todd and Julie Chrisley of Chrisley Knows Best are facing possible jail time for fraud.

By Renee Hansen | Published

Chrisley Knows Best is a reality series that airs on the USA Network that features Georgia Real Estate tycoon Todd Chrisley, his wife Julie, and their tight-knit family as they flaunt their lavish lifestyle in front of the world. Now the couple faces the possibility of lengthy jail time for a fraud scheme where they ied to bankers and vendors and evaded taxes. 

Todd and Julie Chrisley have been found guilty on federal charges, and AP News reports they are set to receive sentencing on Monday, November 28, 2022, for their crimes. The proceedings are expected to last into Tuesday. Todd could receive up to 22 years in prison, while Julie is looking at about 12.5 years of prison time.

The judge could also order The Chrisleys to pay restitution. 

After securing more than $30 million in fraudulent loans, the Chrisleys declared bankruptcy. Todd and Julie Chrisley then proceeded to create their reality series that put their wealth and lavish lifestyle on parade in front of the whole world. When the series began to succeed, and they started making millions from it, they hid the earnings to avoid paying taxes. 

Of course, Todd and Julie Chrisley do not agree with these convictions and do not believe they should have such harsh penalties. Their respective lawyers have arguedthat Todd should get the lower end of sentencing while Julie should only receive probation with special conditions. 

According to the prosecutors, the couple submitted false documents to the court, convinced friends and family to lie under oath, and neither has shown remorse for their actions. They have also blamed others for their conduct. 

todd julie chrisley
From Chrisley Knows Best

Todd and Julie Chrisley have a blended family with three children from their marriage, and Todd has two from a previous marriage. One of their children is 16 and living at home while they also care for their 10-year-old granddaughter, as well as Todd’s ailing mother. They have cited Julie’s extraordinary family obligations as reasoning for her sentence to be reduced to probation and community service. 

Todd and Julie Chrisley first pitched the series in 2013 to ten networks, with nine making offers. USA Network picked up Chrisley Knows Best. The series consists of nine seasons and celebrated its 100th episode in 2018. The most recent season was aired from August 2021 – August 2022, with a spinoff series Growing Up Chrisley, that began airing in 2019. 

Other projects include, According to Chrisley, that was canceled after one season. There’s also What’s Cooking with Chrisley and Chrisley Confessions — a podcast on iHeartRadio. In May 2022, E! greenlit a dating series Love Limo that Todd was set to host. 

If Todd and Julie Chrisley are jailed for their schemes, their series’ will likely suffer due to their absence. Or, they could come up with a new idea that is a reality series based on their time in jail.