
Michael Todd Chrisley, born April 6, 1969, in Georgia, has made a living as a real estate tycoon before becoming a well-known personality countrywide as the star of USA Network’s reality show, Chrisley Knows Best.
The reality show highlights Chrisley’s lavish lifestyle and somewhat unconventional family dynamic. Chrisley Knows Best debuted in 2014 and quickly became a favorite in America.
But it wasn’t all smooth sailing. The Chrisley family name, synonymous with wealth and glamor, soon splashed across headlines. Allegations surfaced, legal troubles loomed, and intrigues went deeper and deeper.
After a grueling trial lasting nearly three weeks, Todd Chrisley was found guilty on all charges of tax evasion and bank fraud. His wife, Julie Chrisley, was also convicted.
In the case of the reality TV show personality Todd Chrisley, you might wonder about the details of his sentence or how he pleaded his case. You might also ask when his potential release might be.
This article will answer questions about the reality TV star’s indictment. It offers insights into his ongoing legal battles and will also explore the details behind the incarceration of Todd’s wife, Julie.
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Selling a Lie

The Chrisley family, led by their patriarch, Todd, seemed to have it all: designer clothing, sprawling estates, and a seemingly unending stream of lightheartedness that translates to the perfect primetime TV element.
Todd became an icon of sorts, thanks to his sharp wit and no-nonsense attitude when it comes to parenting. Every problem he faced was ultimately remedied with a sprinkle of family love.
However, behind these scenes, Todd Chrisley’s life was more than just the exquisite real estate and polished suits. He was a businessman – a real estate mogul who had first-hand experience grappling with the ebb and flow of fortune.
Todd’s ventures were ambitious, and his entrepreneurial spirit wasn’t just a facade akin to the flashy cars he owned. His approach to business was quite bold, and his decisions are often as dramatic as the plot twists you would expect from his reality show.
In the dramatic world of reality television, where twists, turns, and all sorts of plot changes are rampant, celebrities often become intertwined with their on-screen characters.
Maintaining a successful image can be precarious; hence, notable figures, particularly TV personalities, are often stumbling into the unforgiving spotlight of legal scrutiny.
A perfect example is Teresa Giudice, a name you know from her role in The Real Housewives of New Jersey. Giudice went to jail for wire, mail, and bankruptcy fraud.
Similarly, Mike Sorrentino, better known as “The Situation,” entered a guilty plea for tax evasion in 2018.
The latest to join this roster are Todd and Julie Chrisley of the reality show Chrisley Knows Best. The couple went out of their way to showcase wealth they weren’t supposed to have, and it has resulted in their unfortunate incarceration.
Todd and Julie Chrisley have insisted they are innocent and have been determined to appeal their respective cases. The couple released a statement via their attorney, to which they seem to have been successful given their reduced sentences.
Amidst the debacle, the couple still received support from their children. Chase Chrisley, their son, was vocal in his thoughts regarding his parent’s imprisonment.
Chase also said his parents were not treated as VIPs in prison.
Moreover, Todd and Julie’s daughter Savannah Chrisley, is still optimistic about her parents’ cases.
In a podcast interview, Savannah mentioned that regardless of whether the appeal works, her parents are still coming out with a hot topic to discuss.
March 2017: Todd Chrisley Is Under Investigation in Georgia
WSB-TV (Welcome South Brother – TV), a television station located in the Atlanta region, said that state authorities observed Todd Chrisley after revelations that he failed to pay Georgia state income taxes for several years.
August 2019: Julie and Todd Chrisley Have Been Charged
A federal grand jury in Atlanta handed down an indictment against the celebrity couple, Todd and Julie Chrisley, for 12 counts of wire fraud, conspiracy to defraud the United States, and conspiracy to commit bank fraud, as per documents obtained by NBC News.
Their accountant, Peter Tarantino, also faced federal charges under the same legal jurisdiction of Georgia.
At the time, Todd was adamant in declaring his innocence. He stated in a lengthy post that they committed no wrongdoing.
The reality TV star also emphasized their transparency and stated they possess hard evidence to support their claims.
October 2019: Georgia Tax Case Against the Couple
The celebrity couple settled their tax evasion charge and agreed to pay $147,944.75 to resolve the issue. According to a report by an NBC affiliate of WXIA of Atlanta, the Chrisleys were also refunded more than $66,000 for the tax years from 2013 to 2016.
At the time, their representatives told NBC News that while the couple had been accused of tax evasion between the years 2008 and 2016, they actually paid the state in excess for four years.
Todd also said that he knew he and his wife had done nothing wrong and that he’s glad that the Department of Revenue keeps an open mind and considers all evidence.
June 2022: Federal Fraud Charges Result in the Conviction of Todd and Julie Chrisley
On June 7, 2022, Todd Chrisley and his wife, Julie Chrisley, were found guilty of wire fraud, conspiracy to defraud the United States, and conspiracy to commit bank fraud.
As per NBC News, investigators have accused the couple of submitting falsified documents to request bank loans. They also said the couple hid behind a production company to conceal their income from the IRS (Internal Revenue Service).
November 2022: Julie and Todd Chrisley Have Received Prison Sentences
On November 21, 2022, Julie Chrisley was sentenced to seven years in prison, while Todd was given a 12-year sentence, according to the US attorney’s office.
Tarantino, the Chrisleys’ accountant, was also found guilty of tax fraud for filing falsified corporate tax returns on the couple’s behalf. Julie Chrisley was also found guilty of an additional wire fraud charge and obstruction of justice.
During the time, the couple’s legal team said neither of the two purposely wanted to inflict harm on their respective banks and that Todd intended to repay the loans.
Moreover, Mrs. Chrisley’s lawyers stated that she had a minor role in the conspiracy. According to a report from the Associated Press, Julie’s side asked instead for community service, probation, and restitution.
January 2023: Todd and Julie Chrisley Report to Prison
The couple reported to their respective prisons on January 17, 2023. Todd Chrisley began his 12-year sentence at the Federal Prison Camp Pensacola, Florida.
At the same time, Julie Chrisley is serving her seven-year sentence at Federal Medical Center Lexington.
Fast forward to a few weeks, Savannah Chrisley shared how her parents spend their time behind bars.
During a podcast, Savannah said his father contacts her via email. She also mentioned that her father was busy working in the prison chapel.
On the other hand, Julie Chrisley has been making friends and keeping herself busy by attending church services or playing cards, Savannah said.
In a May episode of Savannah’s podcast, she revealed that her parents haven’t spoken to each other since they began their prison sentences.
July 2023: According to Chase Chrisley, Jail Life Is a “Nightmare”
Months after Savannah Chrisley’s revelation regarding her parents’ current status, her brother, Chase Chrisley, recalled visiting the two and shared harrowing details about their condition inside the prison.
On a July 25 episode of Unlocked with Savannah Chrisley podcast, Chase described the situation as a “nightmare.”
He said that both Todd and Julie are held in sweltering facilities without an air conditioning unit, with temperatures reaching above 100 degrees.
Savannah also added that her mother’s prison contains rattlesnakes. Chase later clarified that they weren’t rattlesnakes but “poisonous snakes.”
Todd Chrisley Suffering From Anxiety Amid Prison Sentence
According to his attorney, Todd Chrisley is dealing with anxiety while serving his 12-year sentence for tax and bank fraud.
In a conversation with the Los Angeles Times, Jay Surgent, Todd’s lawyer, said that although Todd maintains a spirited personality, the uncertainty of his ongoing case and what’s happening outside the prison walls is taking a toll on the reality TV star.
The Chrisley Knows Best star is actively seeking to overturn his sentences. Still, according to Surgent, the entire process has been challenging and contributes greatly to Todd’s stress.
Surgent also revealed his client’s privacy issues while locked up. He mentions incidents where Todd had been photographed during sleep, forcing him to exercise in seclusion.
He also noted that Todd avoids going outside the facility to keep away from the paparazzi.
Todd’s life is now pared down to eating, watching TV, and occasionally interacting with his fellow inmates. This leads to what Surgent describes as a “neutralized existence.”
A Small Win for Todd and Julie Chrisley in Their Fight Against Prison Sentence
In a surprising turn of events, Todd and Julie Chrisley, the reality TV personalities behind Chrisley Knows Best, are set to regain their freedom sooner than initially decided.
The pair, who faced a combined sentence of 19 years on charges of federal fraud and tax evasion, had their future looking grim as they began their sentences in January 2023.
Todd and Julie Chrisley Get Shorter Sentences for Prison
Todd Chrisley was originally looking at a 12-year stay at FPC Pensacola, while his wife, Julie, was settling into a seven-year term at FMC in Kentucky.
However, on September 8, 2023, the Federal Bureau of Prisons confirmed that Todd would be released on January 22, 2033, two years less than his previous sentence.
As for Julie, her sentence has been reduced by 14 months, and she will be released from prison on October 19, 2028.
Is Derrick Chrisley Alive?
Tragically, Todd Chrisley experienced the loss of his brother, Derrick Chrisley, at a very young age. Derrick passed away when he was only four months old in 1971. Had he lived, Derrick would have turned 52 in 2023.
How is Nanny Faye Doing?
Nanny Faye, Todd’s mother and matriarch of the Chrisley family, has shared some good news concerning her health.
The 80-year-old reality TV personality announced on her granddaughter’s podcast that she was set for another round of treatment for bladder cancer when the latest scans showed “no cancer.”
Grateful and relieved by this positive turn of events, Nanny Faye has embraced life with a newfound resolve, stayed active, and enjoyed her improved well-being.
What Does Savannah Chrisley Do for a Living?
Savannah Chrisley, the daughter of Todd and Julie Chrisley, has financially carved out quite a niche for herself. Reports from CA Knowledge suggest that her role in the family’s hit show makes a commendable $42,000 each month.
Moreover, with a strong following on her Instagram profile, Savannah has also joined the influencer bandwagon. She’s the brains behind the health and beauty brand Sassy by Savannah Chrisley, offering a range of products from eye masks to lip kits and moisturizers.As reported by Celebrity Net Worth, Savannah Chrisley’s net worth currently stands at an estimated $500,000.
References
- Everything You Need to Know About Todd Chrisley
https://www.countryliving.com/life/entertainment/a20685487/todd-chrisley-facts/ - Everything to Know About the $30 Million Fraud Trial Against Todd and Julie Chrisley
https://people.com/tv/chrisley-family-fraud-trial-everything-to-know/ - Wealth of the Chrisley Family
https://www.thelist.com/263154/this-is-the-richest-member-of-the-chrisley-family/ - The Truth About Todd Chrisley’s Relationship With His Kids
https://www.thelist.com/127516/the-truth-about-todd-chrisleys-relationship-with-his-kids/ - Todd and Julie Chrisley Prison Sentence Reduced
https://collider.com/todd-julie-chrisley-prison-sentence-reduced/#:~:text=mail%2C%20wire%2C%20and%20bankruptcy%20fraud - Todd Chrisley’s Anxiety
https://www.tvinsider.com/1101223/todd-chrisley-prison-lawyer/ - Nanny Faye
https://www.dailymail.co.uk/tvshowbiz/article-12575333/Todd-Chrisley-mother-Nanny-Faye-bladder-cancer-remission.html - What does Savannah Chrisley do for a living?
https://www.distractify.com/p/what-does-savannah-chrisley-do-for-a-living