Todd Julie Chrisley Reality TV Stars’ Journey

The Chrisley family made a big splash in 2014 with their hit show Todd Julie Chrisley Knows Best” on USA Network1. They won over fans with their Southern charm and what looked like a fancy lifestyle. Todd and Julie Chrisley became famous, building a reality TV empire. They showed off their huge mansion in Roswell, Georgia1.

But in 2019, their perfect image crumbled. A federal grand jury in Atlanta charged Todd and Julie with tax fraud, conspiracy, and bank fraud2. Their legal issues and downfall grabbed a lot of attention. This story is a fascinating look at how celebrity scandal and family drama can change everything.

todd julie chrisley

Key Takeaways

  • Todd and Julie Chrisley were the stars of the hit reality TV series “Chrisley Knows Best” on the USA Network.
  • The Chrisley family was known for their lavish lifestyle, including a 30,000-square-foot mansion in Georgia.
  • In 2019, the Chrisleys were indicted on charges of tax fraud, conspiracy, and bank fraud, leading to their eventual convictions.
  • Todd Chrisley was sentenced to 12 years in prison, while Julie Chrisley received a 7-year sentence, along with 16 months of probation.
  • The Chrisley family’s legal troubles and subsequent fall from grace have captivated audiences and become a prominent celebrity scandal.

The Rise of the Chrisley Family Empire

Todd and Julie Chrisley, real estate moguls, have won over fans with their lavish lifestyle and TV fame3. They started in Roswell, Georgia, and grew a big business empire3.

From Humble Beginnings to Reality TV Stardom

Michael Todd Chrisley was born in South Carolina, in a simple setting4. After a rough divorce, he met Julie (née Hughes), a bank worker3. They got married in 1996 and had their first child, Chase, soon after3.

Todd’s Early Life and Meeting Julie

Just a few years after Chase was born, Grayson joined the family in May 20063. Todd and Julie started Chrisley Asset Management and moved to Roswell, Georgia, with their growing family3.

The Chrisleys went from simple beginnings to reality TV stars, showing their hard work and grit.

chrisley family34.

The Launch of “Chrisley Knows Best”

In 2013, the USA Network started “Chrisley Knows Best” as part of its reality TV lineup5. It quickly became a hit, getting a second season before the first ended5. The show followed the Chrisley family’s life in their huge mansion in Roswell, Georgia5.

USA Network’s Hit Reality Show

The show starred Todd Chrisley, his wife Julie, and their kids Kyle, Lindsie, Chase, Savannah, Grayson, and Chloe5. It was made by Maverick Television and All3Media America. Critics gave it mixed reviews, as seen on Metacritic5.

The Chrisley Family’s Lavish Lifestyle on Display

People loved watching Todd Chrisley’s strict parenting and the family’s funny conflicts5. Their life was filled with luxury cars, designer clothes, and their big Roswell mansion5. The show led to plans for spin-offs, but “According to Chrisley” was canceled due to low ratings5.

Chrisley Family

“Chrisley Knows Best” showed the Chrisley family’s unique and rich life, keeping viewers hooked for years.

Statistic Value
Seasons of “Chrisley Knows Best” 105
Total Episodes 2045
Network USA Network5
Guilty of Fraud and Tax Evasion Todd Chrisley and Julie Chrisley6
Todd Chrisley’s Sentence 12 years in prison6
Julie Chrisley’s Sentence 7 years in prison6

todd julie chrisley: Expanding the Brand

Todd and Julie Chrisley, stars of “Chrisley Knows Best,” turned their family’s success into a media empire. After the show’s 2014 debut, USA Network started to grow the “Chrisley” brand across NBCUniversal platforms7.

Spinoffs, Podcasts, and Business Ventures

In 2017, Todd got his own late-night show, “According to Chrisley.” It showed fans what it’s like to live with the family. Julie also started a cooking web series, “What’s Cooking With Julie Chrisley,” on the USA Network website7.

Then, E! brought out “Growing Up Chrisley” in 2018, focusing on Savannah and Chase’s journey. In May 2022, E! also gave the greenlight to “Love Limo,” a dating series hosted by Todd Chrisley himself7.

These spinoffs, podcasts, and ventures helped the Chrisleys grow their brand. They became one of the top reality TV families7.

Chrisley Ventures Details
“According to Chrisley” Todd Chrisley-hosted late-night series on USA Network
“What’s Cooking With Julie Chrisley” Cooking web series hosted by Julie Chrisley on USA Network website
“Growing Up Chrisley” Spinoff series on E! following Savannah and Chase Chrisley
“Love Limo” Dating series hosted and executive produced by Todd Chrisley on E!

Chrisley Family

The Chrisleys have grown their “Chrisley” brand with spinoffs, podcasts, and ventures. They’ve become a top reality TV family7.

Legal Troubles and Indictments

Todd and Julie Chrisley from “Chrisley Knows Best” have faced legal issues. In 2019, a Atlanta federal grand jury charged them with tax evasion, conspiracy, and wire fraud8.

Tax Evasion and Bank Fraud Charges

The Chrisleys tried to hide their reality TV earnings from the IRS. They gave faked bank and financial statements to get loans for personal use8. They also gave a faked credit report and bank statements to rent a California home8.

Allegations of Financial Crimes

Their accountant, Peter Tarantino, faced charges too. He was accused of conspiracy to defraud the United States and filing false tax returns9. The trial in Atlanta lasted three weeks. The Chrisleys were found guilty of several financial crimes9. Todd was also found guilty of wire fraud and obstruction of justice9.

Defendant Charges Sentence
Todd Chrisley Conspiracy to commit bank fraud, bank fraud, conspiracy to defraud the United States, tax fraud, wire fraud, wire fraud, obstruction of justice 12 years in prison, 16 months probation9
Julie Chrisley Conspiracy to commit bank fraud, bank fraud, conspiracy to defraud the United States, tax fraud, wire fraud, obstruction of justice 7 years in prison, 16 months probation9
Peter Tarantino Conspiracy to defraud the United States, willfully filing false tax returns 36 months in prison9

Their sentences were later reduced. Todd’s release date is January 22, 2033, and Julie’s is October 19, 20288. The GDR cleared them of state tax evasion after a two-year probe8.

todd julie chrisley legal troubles

“The Chrisleys had a net liability of less than $77,000 in overdue taxes for just one year of incorrect filing.”

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The Chrisley Trial and Convictions

In a major trial in Georgia, Todd and Julie Chrisley were found guilty on all counts after a three-week trial10. The prosecution said the Chrisleys made false claims to banks and took out more than $30 million they couldn’t pay back. They claimed a former employee tricked them, but the court didn’t buy it11.

The Chrisleys were found guilty of tax fraud and bank fraud. Todd got 12 years in prison, and Julie got 7 years10. They must pay $17.2 million back for the fake loans they got, which added up to $36 million1011.

Their old accountant, Peter Tarantino, got 3 years in prison and a $35,000 fine for helping with the fraud1011.

Defendant Sentence Restitution
Todd Chrisley 12 years in prison $17.2 million
Julie Chrisley 7 years in prison $17.2 million
Peter Tarantino 3 years in prison, $35,000 fine

The Chrisleys’ fancy lifestyle and big talk on Chrisley Knows Best helped prove their guilt10. Their financial troubles before, like a 2012 bankruptcy and unpaid taxes since 2009, made people doubt their money habits10.

“The Chrisley’s fraudulently obtained $36 million in bank loans and managed to walk away from over $20 million in debt through a bankruptcy filing in 2012.”