Todd Chrisley Julie Chrisley shone as stars on the hit USA Network show “Chrisley Knows Best” since 2014. This series drew in fans with its look into the Chrisley family’s rich life and their Southern charm1. As the show grew with spin-offs like “Growing Up Chrisley” and “According to Chrisley,” so did their fame and wealth, reaching viewers all over the U.S.
But their TV success was marred by legal issues in 2019. They faced charges of tax evasion and bank fraud1. This led to a big court case that ended with Todd and Julie Chrisley going to prison.
Key Takeaways
- Todd and Julie Chrisley were the stars of the popular USA Network reality series “Chrisley Knows Best,” which followed their wealthy family in the Atlanta suburbs.
- The Chrisley empire expanded with spinoffs and additional projects, further showcasing their Southern charm and lavish lifestyle.
- In 2019, the Chrisleys were indicted on federal charges of tax evasion and bank fraud, leading to a high-profile legal battle.
- Despite their legal troubles, the Chrisley family shows continued to air until their sentencing to prison.
- The Chrisley’s’ prison sentences and the ongoing legal proceedings have captivated the public’s attention, shedding light on the downfall of a once-thriving reality TV dynasty.
The Rise of “Chrisley Knows Best”
Before becoming famous on reality TV, Todd Chrisley was a self-made real estate tycoon from South Carolina. He started from humble beginnings. He met his wife, Julie, at a local bank, and they got married in 1996.2 The couple built their business, Chrisley Asset Management, and moved to the wealthy Atlanta suburb of Roswell2.
From Humble Beginnings to Reality TV Fame
In 2013, the USA Network picked up “Chrisley Knows Best.” This show showed the Chrisley family’s lavish lifestyle, like their 30,000-square-foot mansion, luxury cars, and designer clothes2. It was a big hit, leading to a second season before the first ended3. The family’s fame grew, moving to Nashville and getting spinoff shows like “Growing Up Chrisley” and “Love Limo.”3
The Chrisley Family: A Glimpse into Their Lavish Lifestyle
“Chrisley Knows Best,” featuring Todd and Julie Chrisley, started in 2014 on the USA Network and became popular.2 They lived in a 30,000-square-foot mansion near Atlanta before moving to a $3.4 million home in Nashville.2 They earned $6 million from the show “Chrisley Knows Best” from 2013 to 2016.2
“We’re the Chrisleys, and we’re very wealthy. We’re very blessed.” – Todd Chrisley
todd chrisley julie chrisley: The Faces of Southern Charm
Todd Chrisley and Julie Chrisley are the stars of Southern charm and family values on TV4. Their big personalities and fancy lifestyle caught the eye of many on “Chrisley Knows Best,” which started in 20144. They showed off their rich life with designer clothes, fancy cars, and a huge mansion in Roswell, Georgia4.
The show followed the Chrisley family’s big moments, disagreements, and Todd’s unique parenting style5. It also showed their wealth as real estate moguls5. With 1.8 million viewers per episode, “Chrisley Knows Best” became a hit on the USA Network4.
Their fancy lifestyle and big personalities made them famous. The show “Growing Up Chrisley,” which started in 2018, brought the younger Chrisleys into the spotlight4.
Key Highlights | Details |
---|---|
Reality Show Debut | “Chrisley Knows Best” premiered in 2014 on USA Network4. |
Viewership | The show averaged 1.8 million total viewers per episode, making it the most-watched current original series on the USA Network4. |
Family Mansion | The Chrisley family’s mansion where the show was filmed is 30,000 square feet4. |
Spinoff Series | In 2018, a spinoff series called “Growing Up Chrisley” was launched on E! following Savannah and Chase4. |
The Chrisleys have become the face of Southern charm on TV5. They show their family values, wealth, and the drama of their fancy lifestyle5. As Bravo TV stars, they symbolize the Southern family’s success and chasing the American dream5.
“The Chrisleys have captivated audiences with their larger-than-life personalities and lavish lifestyle, making them the quintessential embodiment of Southern charm and family values on reality television.”
Legal Troubles: Tax Evasion and Fraud Charges
Todd Chrisley, 56, and his wife Julie Chrisley, 51, faced a big legal fight. In 2019, they were charged with tax evasion, conspiracy, and bank fraud6. They were accused of a scheme to get over $30 million in loans they didn’t deserve. They used this money to live a fancy life6.
Federal Indictment and Alleged Financial Crimes
The couple made fake bank statements to get loans. Then, they used the money for personal stuff6. In August 2019, a federal grand jury indicted them on 12 counts7.
The Trial and Conviction
In June 2022, Todd and Julie Chrisley were found guilty on all charges6. Their accountant, Peter Tarantino, was also guilty of making false tax returns for their company6. They were found guilty of getting over $30 million in loans they didn’t deserve6. They also got caught evading taxes and trying to trick the IRS6. Julie was also found guilty of wire fraud and trying to block justice6. The court told them to pay back money later8.
Name | Sentence | Facility | Release Date |
---|---|---|---|
Todd Chrisley | 12 years | Pensacola, Florida | October 2032 |
Julie Chrisley | 7 years | Lexington, Kentucky | July 2028 |
Peter Tarantino | 3 years | Montgomery, Alabama | September next year |
The Chrisleys faced charges of bank fraud, tax evasion, conspiracy, wire fraud, and obstruction of justice8. Todd got 12 years in prison, Julie got 7 years8. Their accountant, Peter Tarantino, got 36 months7.
Life Behind Bars: Prison Sentences for the Chrisleys
In November 2022, Todd and Julie Chrisley faced serious legal trouble. Todd got 12 years in federal prison, and Julie got 7 years9. They were also told to pay $17.8 million in restitution9.
Todd went to the Federal Prison Camp in Pensacola, Florida. Julie went to the Federal Medical Center in Lexington, Kentucky, because she had breast cancer10. Their daughter Savannah now looks after their teenage son, Grayson, and their granddaughter, Chloe.
Savannah talks about the tough times her family is going through. She mentions “inhumane” conditions in the prisons10. But, the Bureau of Prisons says all inmates have unlimited water and good air quality at the prisons10.
Then, in September 2023, the Chrisleys got a break – Todd’s sentence was cut by 2 years, and Julie’s by 14 months11. In November 2023, the appeals court let the Chrisleys speak in court, which could help them9.
The Chrisley family is going through a tough time. Everyone is waiting to see what happens next in their legal fight and their TV career11.
The Chrisley Empire: Spinoffs and Expansions
“Chrisley Knows Best” became a hit, and the USA Network wanted more from the Chrisley family. They launched “Growing Up Chrisley” in 2018. This show followed Savannah and Chase Chrisley as they moved from Nashville to Los Angeles12.
The Chrisleys didn’t stop there. In 2022, the E! Network brought out “Love Limo.” Todd Chrisley hosted and produced this dating show12. These shows made the Chrisleys a big name in reality TV, even with the legal issues they faced12.
From “Growing Up Chrisley” to “Love Limo”
The Chrisley family kept growing on TV with “Growing Up Chrisley.”12 Todd Chrisley also started “Love Limo,” a dating show that showed off his humor and charm12.