Todd and Julie Chrisley found guilty of fraud, tax evasion

In the 2014 pilot episode for USA Network’s “Chrisley Knows Best,” Todd and Julie Chrisley showed off their 30,000-square-foot home in a wealthy neighborhood north of Atlanta. The couple came from humble beginnings, Todd said, and made their fortune in real estate.

“In a year, we probably spend $300,000, sometimes more, just on clothing,” Todd said.

But prosecutors say the couple earned most of their money through fraudulent means — in the years leading up to their first season, the Chrisleys had been conspiring to defraud banks of more than $30 million in loans, according to a criminal case filed against them in 2019.

A federal jury on Tuesday found the couple guilty of fraud and tax evasion. Julie was also found guilty of wire fraud and obstruction of justice. She and her husband each face up to 30 years in prison.

Their accountant, Peter Tarantino, was also found guilty of several tax crimes, including conspiring to defraud the IRS.

“As today’s outcome shows, when you lie, cheat and steal, justice is blind as to your fame, your fortune, and your position,” Keri Farley, special agent in charge of FBI Atlanta, said in a news release.

In a statement to The Washington Post, Bruce Morris, one of Todd’s attorneys, said the couple is “disappointed in the verdict” and is planning to appeal the decision. Attorneys for Tarantino did not immediately respond to The Washington Post’s request for comment early Wednesday.

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