ATLANA (AP) – Todd and Julie Chrisley, stars of the reality TV show “Chrisley Knows Best,” were found guilty in Atlanta on Tuesday on federal charges, including bank fraud and tax evasion.
Chrisley was originally charged in August 2019, and a new indictment was filed in February this year. Their trial began about three weeks ago, and the jury found them guilty of all charges Tuesday, according to the Atlanta Attorney General’s Office. They will be convicted at a later date.
Bruce Morris, Todd Chrisley’s lawyer, said he was disappointed with the verdict and expected to appeal.
Prosecutors allege that the Chrisley family submitted false documents to banks when applying for loans. They said Julie Chrisley also presented a fake credit report and fake bank statements when trying to rent a house in California, and then the couple refused to pay rent a few months after they started using the home.
They used a filmmaking company they controlled to hide income to prevent the IRS from collecting unpaid taxes owed by Todd Chrisley, prosecutors said.
Both Krisli 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 physical fraud and obstruction of justice.
After being found guilty, U.S. District Judge Eleanor Ross allowed Krisley to remain on bail. But she placed them under surveillance and house arrest, which means they can leave the house only for certain reasons, including work, medical appointments and appearing in court. They must also warn their probation officers of any costs over $ 1,000, according to an order issued Tuesday.
Peter Tarantino, an accountant hired by the couple, has been charged with conspiracy to defraud the United States and willful misrepresentation of false tax returns. He was also found guilty of all charges, the US Atlanta prosecutor’s office said. He also remains free on bail.
“Chrisley knows best” follows the close-knit, boisterous Chrisley family. The series has just been revived by the US for the 10th season, while the Growing Up Chrisley spin-off, which includes the children of Chrisley, Chase and Savannah living in Los Angeles, has just been renewed by E! for the fourth season.
The process started in mid-May, just days after E! announced that it is moving forward with a new dating series, “Love Limo”, hosted by Todd Chrisley.
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