Julie Chrisley’s Sentence Overturned
It’s time to dive into the latest twist in the saga of former “Chrisley Knows Best” reality star Julie Chrisley. Recently, Julie’s sentence for financial crimes was overturned by the United States Court of Appeals for the Eleventh Circuit. However, her conviction remains upheld, adding another layer to this ongoing legal drama.
Julie and her husband, Todd Chrisley, were convicted in June 2022 on multiple charges, including conspiracy to commit bank fraud, bank fraud, tax fraud, and conspiracy to defraud the United States. Julie also faced convictions for wire fraud and obstruction of justice. Throughout, the Chrisleys have maintained their innocence.
Last Friday, a significant development occurred. The appellate court vacated Julie’s sentence, citing insufficient evidence to link her to financial losses incurred by the couple before 2007.
This decision means Julie’s case is now remanded back to the district court for resentencing. The district court will need to re-evaluate Julie’s precise involvement in the financial losses for which she was initially convicted.
To give some background, Todd Chrisley made his fortune through Chrisley Asset Management, a real estate company he founded in Georgia. The business’s success, coupled with Todd’s dynamic personality and large family, made them reality TV stars, leading to the popular show “Chrisley Knows Best.” However, the family’s financial troubles began well before their TV fame. Todd filed for bankruptcy protection in 2012, facing a massive $30 million debt from a failed real estate loan.
The Department of Justice (DOJ) has accused the Chrisleys of conspiring to defraud community banks in the Atlanta area to secure over $30 million in personal loans. According to the DOJ, the Chrisleys, with the assistance of business partner Mark Braddock, submitted falsified bank statements, audit reports, and personal financial statements to obtain these fraudulent loans.
Their troubles didn’t stop there. In 2017, reports surfaced that the Chrisleys owed nearly $800,000 in taxes to the state of Georgia, despite declaring residency in Tennessee. Further complicating matters, Todd sued Homebanc Mortgage Corporation in 2018, alleging a former business partner forged his name on a mortgage.
In 2019, the couple was indicted, and by 2022, they were convicted after a three-week trial. However, in January, they received a $1 million settlement after suing the former Director of Special Investigations of the Georgia Department of Revenue, alleging they were unfairly targeted after being cleared of a state tax evasion charge.
Julie’s recent legal victory—having her sentence vacated—does not erase her conviction. It does, however, open the door for a new chapter in their legal battle, as the district court reassesses her involvement in the crimes. The saga of the Chrisleys continues to unfold, highlighting the complexities of their financial and legal entanglements.