ATLANTA — Reality stars Todd and Julie Chrisley were found guilty of fraud Tuesday by a federal jury in Atlanta, WSB-TV reported.
The couple, who star in “Chrisley Knows Best,” was found guilty on all counts, including criminal bank fraud and tax evasion, the TV station reported.
Federal jury finds Todd and Julie Chrisley guilty of fraud
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According to WSB, prosecutors alleged the Chrisleys took out $30 million in fraudulent bank loans to fund their lavish lifestyle and extravagant spending, even before they became household names via their reality show.
The couple’s attorney argued, however, that the Chrisleys were being targeted by rogue revenue department agents.
Meanwhile, the tax evasion charges stemmed from what prosecutors argued were attempts by the couple to hide the millions they earned from the show from the Internal Revenue Service, WSB reported.
Specifically, prosecutors alleged that the Chrisleys used a film production company they controlled to conceal income from the IRS, in a bid to keep the federal agency from collecting unpaid taxes owed by Todd Chrisley, according to The Associated Press.
While the Chrisleys maintained their innocence, claiming a third party controlled their finances, prosecutors alleged the couple defrauded Atlanta-area banks out of $30 million in loans using manufactured documents and called their apparent wealth a lie, according to WSB.
Both Chrisleys were charged with one count of conspiracy to commit bank fraud, five counts of bank fraud, one count of conspiracy to defraud the United States and one count of tax fraud. Julie Chrisley was also charged with one count of wire fraud and one count of obstruction of justice.
The trial began just days after E! announced that it is moving forward with a new dating series, “Love Limo,” hosted by Todd Chrisley and weeks after the announcement that reality shows “Chrisley Knows Best” and “Growing Up Chrisley” have been renewed on USA Network and E!, respectively.
The U.S. Attorney’s Office confirmed to WSB that the Chrisleys have not been remanded in custody, noting that sentencing will occur at a later date.
- The Associated Press contributed to this report.
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