ATLANTA (AP) – Todd and Julie Chrisley, stars of the reality show “Chrisley Knows Best,” were found guilty Tuesday in Atlanta of federal charges such as bank fraud and tax evasion.
The Chrisleys were initially charged in August 2019 and a new indictment was filed in February this year. The trial began about three weeks ago and a jury found the couple guilty of all charges Tuesday, according to the U.S. Attorney’s Office in Atlanta. They will be convicted later.
Bruce Morris, Todd Chrisley’s attorney, said he was disappointed with the verdict and hopes to appeal.
Prosecutors alleged that the Chrisleys presented false documents to the banks when they applied for loans. They said Julie Chrisley also filed a fake credit report and fake bank statements when trying to rent a house in California, and that the couple later refused to pay the rent a few months after they started using the house.
They used a film producer they controlled to hide revenue to prevent the IRS from collecting unpaid taxes owed by Todd Chrisley, prosecutors said.
Both Chrisley were charged with conspiracy to commit bank fraud, bank fraud, conspiracy to defraud the United States and tax fraud. Julie Chrisley was also charged with fraud and obstruction of justice.
After being found guilty, U.S. District Judge Eleanor Ross allowed the Chrisleys to remain on bail. But he put them under house arrest and detention, which means they can only leave home for certain reasons, such as work, medical appointments and court appearances. They must also alert their probation officers to any expenses in excess of $ 1,000, according to the order entered Tuesday.
Peter Tarantino, an accountant hired by the couple, was charged with conspiracy to defraud the United States and intentionally filing false tax returns. He was also found guilty of all charges, the U.S. Attorney’s Office said in Atlanta. He is also being released on bail.
“Chrisley Knows Best” follows the Chrisley family, united and bustling. The series was renewed by the United States for a tenth season, while the spin-off “Growing Up Chrisley,” with children of Chrisley, Chase and Savannah living in Los Angeles, had just been renewed by E! for a fourth season.
The trial began in mid-May, just days after E! announced that he was moving forward with a new series of quotes, “Love Limo,” presented by Todd Chrisley.