CNN
–
Reality TV stars Julie and Todd Chrisley were sentenced to prison in federal court on Monday.
The “Chrisley News” couple were found guilty in June of conspiracy to defraud banks out of more than $30 million in fraudulent loans, CNN reported previously. In addition, they were convicted of several tax offenses, including attempting to defraud the Internal Revenue Service.
Judge Eleanor L. ruled. Ross awarded Todd Chrisley to 12 years in prison and three years of supervised release. His wife, Julie Chrisley, was sentenced to seven years in prison and three years of supervised release. Ryan Buchanan, the US Attorney for the Northern District of Georgia, said during a news conference after the sentencing hearing that their accountant Peter Tarantino has been sentenced to three years in prison and three years of supervised release.
According to the Department of Justice, evidence in the case showed that the Chrisley family managed to obtain the loans by submitting false bank statements, audit reports, and financial statements. A Justice Department press release said the money was used to buy luxury cars, clothes, real estate and travel.
Then, while earning millions of dollars on their previous reality show, the Chrisleys, along with their accountant, conspired to defraud the IRS and evade collection of back taxes.
“Chrisley Knows Best” debuted in 2014 on USA Network and ran for nine seasons.
In a short statement to CNN in June, one of Todd Chrisley’s attorneys, Bruce Morris, said they were “disappointed in the verdict” and plan to appeal.
CNN has reached out to representatives for the Chrisleys and Tarantino for comment on Monday’s ruling.
“Infuriatingly humble web fan. Writer. Alcohol geek. Passionate explorer. Evil problem solver. Incurable zombie expert.”
