On Wednesday, a federal judge reaffirmed Julie Chrisley’s seven-year prison term for her involvement in bank fraud and tax evasion, dismissing her request for a reduced sentence.
Chrisley, along with her husband Todd, gained fame through their reality series “Chrisley Knows Best,” which showcased their family’s lavish lifestyle. In 2022, they were found guilty of conspiring to secure over $30 million in fraudulent loans from community banks, as well as tax evasion by concealing their income, as CrimeOnline previously reported.
In June, the 11th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals upheld the couple’s convictions but identified a legal mistake in the calculation of Julie Chrisley’s sentence, noting she shouldn’t have been held responsible for the full extent of the fraud. The case was sent back for reconsideration, AP News reports.
Her attorney, Alex Little, sought a reduction in her sentence, contending that Julie played a smaller role in the scheme and had shown exemplary behavior during her 20 months in prison, earning over 70 certificates through prison programs. Despite these arguments, the court maintained the original sentence.
Little also highlighted the difficulties her two youngest children are experiencing in her absence, citing challenges in managing their daily lives.
Federal prosecutor Annalise Peters requested the judge to reaffirm the seven-year prison sentence, asserting that prosecutors had been measured in the charges brought against the couple. Peters argued that Julie played a key role in the fraudulent activities and pointed out that she has neither apologized nor accepted responsibility for her actions.
U.S. District Judge Eleanor Ross explained that when determining the original sentence, she took into consideration Chrisley’s personal circumstances, emphasizing that the sentence she handed down was already below federal sentencing guidelines and lower than what prosecutors had recommended.
The decision to reduce the sentence at that time was not related to the financial losses or the duration of Chrisley’s involvement in the scheme, and therefore, Ross confirmed there would be no change to the sentence.
The judge further pointed out that many people she has sentenced also have children but typically lack the financial means or support network that the Chrisley family has access to.
Chrisley, however, subsequently addressed the judge with an apology.
“I apologize for my actions and what led me to where I am today,” she said. “I cannot ever repay my children for what they have had to go through, and for that I am sorry.”
