Reality Star Julie Chrisley to Be Resentenced in Bank Fraud Case
Reality star Julie Chrisley, known for her role on “Chrisley Knows Best,” faces a new legal development in her bank fraud and tax evasion case. An appeals court has thrown out her original seven-year sentence, necessitating a re-evaluation by the lower courts. This decision comes after significant scrutiny of how her involvement in the fraudulent activities was assessed.
Appeals Court Decision
Julie Chrisley, former star of “Chrisley Knows Best,” will be resentenced in her bank fraud and tax evasion case after an appeals court invalidated her original seven-year sentence. The 11th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals found that the trial judge incorrectly calculated her sentence by holding her accountable for the entire bank fraud scheme executed alongside her husband, Todd Chrisley. The case is now sent back to the lower courts for re-sentencing.
Convictions and Sentences
In 2022, the Chrisleys were convicted of conspiring to defraud banks out of over $30 million using falsified documents to obtain loans. They were also found guilty of tax evasion, with allegations that they defaulted on more than $20 million in debt when Todd declared bankruptcy in 2012. Todd received a 12-year prison sentence, Julie seven years, and their accountant, Peter Tarantino, three years. They were also ordered to pay $17.8 million in restitution.
Appeal Outcomes
While the appeals court upheld their convictions, it ruled that there was insufficient evidence to prove Julie’s involvement in the bank fraud scheme as early as 2006. However, evidence did tie her to the plot starting in 2007. The court stated, โWe must vacate Julieโs sentence so the district court can address the narrow issue of what the proper loss amount attributable to Julie is.โ
Attorney’s Statement
Julieโs attorney, Alex Little, expressed satisfaction with the decision to reassess her sentence but disappointment over the rejection of Todd’s appeal. The family remains hopeful for favorable outcomes in the future.