The Shocking Truth: What Did Todd And Julie Chrisley Actually Do? From Reality TV To Federal Prison And Back

The question "What did the Chrisleys do?" has dominated headlines for years, transforming the image of the seemingly perfect, wealthy family from the hit reality show Chrisley Knows Best into a dramatic legal saga. As of December 11, 2025, the full, shocking truth involves a complex web of financial crimes, a high-profile conviction, time served in federal prison, and a stunning, politically charged resolution that has brought them back into the public eye and onto a new reality television project.

The core of the scandal centers on a conspiracy to defraud banks and evade taxes, actions that completely shattered the family's carefully curated public persona. While the initial conviction in 2022 saw both Todd and Julie Chrisley facing lengthy sentences, the most recent and significant development—a presidential pardon—has dramatically altered their legal fate, offering a rare and controversial conclusion to their tumultuous journey.

Todd and Julie Chrisley: A Full Biography and Profile

The Chrisley family rose to prominence through their USA Network reality television series, Chrisley Knows Best, which premiered in 2014 and showcased the opulent lifestyle of the Southern patriarch, Todd Chrisley, his wife, Julie, and their children.

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• Todd Chrisley (Michael Todd Chrisley):
• Born: April 6, 1969, in Georgia, USA.
• Occupation: Real estate mogul, businessman, reality television personality.
• Known For: His role as the patriarch on Chrisley Knows Best and his outspoken, flamboyant personality.
• Legal Charges: Conspiracy to commit bank fraud, wire fraud, and tax evasion.
• Original Sentence: 12 years in federal prison.
• Current Status: Released from federal prison following a presidential pardon.
• Julie Chrisley (Julie Hughes Chrisley):
• Born: January 3, 1973, in South Carolina, USA.
• Occupation: Reality television personality, homemaker, entrepreneur.
• Known For: Her role as the matriarch on Chrisley Knows Best.
• Legal Charges: Conspiracy to commit bank fraud, wire fraud, and tax evasion.
• Original Sentence: 7 years in federal prison.
• Current Status: Released from federal prison following a presidential pardon.
• Children: Lindsie Chrisley, Kyle Chrisley (from Todd’s first marriage), Chase Chrisley, Savannah Chrisley, and Grayson Chrisley.

The Five Key Financial Crimes That Led to Conviction

The federal indictment against Todd and Julie Chrisley, which was handed down in August 2019, included a dozen counts. Following a nearly three-week-long trial in 2022, a jury convicted them on all charges. The crimes committed were not minor financial missteps but deliberate, years-long schemes involving multiple forms of fraud and deception.

1. Conspiracy to Commit Bank Fraud

This was the most serious charge. The Chrisleys were accused of creating and submitting false documents to secure millions of dollars in loans from various banks. Prosecutors alleged that the couple purposefully misrepresented their assets and provided fake bank statements and fraudulent audits to convince financial institutions to approve their loan applications.

2. Wire Fraud

The wire fraud charges were tied directly to the bank fraud scheme. This involved using electronic communications—specifically wire transfers—to transmit the fraudulent loan applications and other deceptive financial information across state lines.

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3. Conspiracy to Commit Wire Fraud

This charge indicated that the couple planned and agreed to commit wire fraud as part of their larger scheme to illegally obtain money from banks.

4. Tax Evasion

In addition to bank fraud, the Chrisleys were found guilty of tax evasion. This charge stemmed from their failure to file tax returns and pay federal income taxes for several years, despite earning significant income from their reality show and other business ventures.

5. Conspiracy to Defraud the United States

This charge covered the overall scheme to cheat the IRS and the U.S. government out of tax revenue. The couple's former business partner cooperated with the investigation, providing testimony that was crucial to the prosecution's case.

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The Dramatic Path: From Conviction and Prison to a Presidential Pardon

The legal journey of the Chrisleys has been characterized by dramatic highs and lows, culminating in a highly unusual and controversial release from custody. This sequence of events is the most current and critical part of the "what did the Chrisleys do" story.

The Convictions and Initial Sentences

Following their conviction in June 2022, the couple was sentenced in November of that year. Todd Chrisley received a sentence of 12 years in federal prison, while Julie Chrisley was sentenced to seven years. Both were also ordered to serve three years of supervised release and pay restitution.

Todd was incarcerated at the Federal Prison Camp Pensacola, and Julie was sent to the Federal Medical Center Lexington. Their daughter, Savannah Chrisley, became the primary caretaker for their youngest children and has been vocal about the conditions of their imprisonment and the family's ongoing struggle.

The Failed Appeals Process

The couple immediately announced their intention to appeal their convictions and sentences, claiming legal errors in the trial judge's calculation and application of the law. The appeal process continued while they served their time, with their legal team arguing that the evidence presented was insufficient or flawed.

The Stunning Presidential Pardon and Release

The most recent and significant development arrived in 2025 when former President Donald J. Trump issued a presidential pardon for both Todd and Julie Chrisley. This act of clemency vacated their sentences, allowing for their immediate release from federal prison.

The pardon was a highly debated move, with their legal team arguing that the case represented a perfect example of why the pardon power exists, suggesting an alleged legal error in the trial's handling. The official record confirms the pardon and their release, transforming their legal status from convicted felons to free individuals with their sentences commuted.

Life After Incarceration: Back to Reality TV

Since their release, the Chrisleys have been actively speaking out about their experience, detailing their time in prison and their life post-pardon. They have addressed speculation about their financial status, with Todd Chrisley shutting down allegations that he is now "broke."

In a move that signals a full return to the spotlight, the family has announced a new reality television series. This new show promises to expose "the raw truth" of their journey, focusing on their lives after the conviction, their time in prison, and their adjustment to freedom. The new series, featuring Savannah, Chase, and other family members, aims to provide an unvarnished look at the consequences of their actions and their path to redemption.

The saga of the Chrisleys is a cautionary tale of ambition and financial deceit, but the final chapter—the pardon and their return to television—is a twist that few could have predicted, ensuring that the public remains captivated by "the Chrisley Knows Best charges" and the family's ongoing narrative.