Todd and Julie Chrisley were sentenced to 12 and seven years in prison respectively by U.S. District Judge Eleanor Ross in Atlanta, reports the Associated Press. Federal prosecutors said the couple was driven by greed as they engaged in an extensive bank fraud scheme and then hid their wealth from tax authorities while flaunting their lavish lifestyle. The Chrisleys gained fame with their USA Network reality show "Chrisley Knows Best," which chronicles their tight-knit, boisterous family. They were found guilty in June, "The Chrisleys have built an empire based on the lie that their wealth came from dedication and hard work,” prosecutors wrote. “The jury’s unanimous verdict sets the record straight: Todd and Julie Chrisley are career swindlers who have made a living by jumping from one fraud scheme to another, lying to banks, stiffing vendors, and evading taxes at every corner."
Prosecutors said the couple submitted fake documents to banks and managed to secure more than $30 million in fraudulent loans. Once that scheme fell apart, the pair never repaid the loans and Todd Chrisley declared bankruptcy. While in bankruptcy, the couple started their reality show and "flaunted their wealth and lifestyle to the American public," prosecutors wrote. After making millions from their show, they hid the money from the IRS to avoid paying taxes. The couple submitted a false document to a grand jury that was investigating their crimes and then convinced friends and family members to tell lies while testifying under oath during their trial. Prosecutors said either of them showed any remorse and they have, instead, blamed others for their own criminal conduct.
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