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Reality TV’s ‘Chrisley Knows Best’ stars found guilty of fraud, tax evasion -Breaking

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© Reuters. FILE PHOTO – Julie Chrisley, a cast member, attends a panel discussion for “Chrisley Knows Best”, during the NBCUniversal Summer Press Day in Westlake Village (California), April 1, 2016. REUTERS/Mario Anzuoni

(Reuters) – Todd Chrisley and Julie Chrisley were the stars of “Chrisley Knows Best” and have been found guilty of federal tax evasion charges and conspiring with community banks to swindle them out of $30,000,000 in fraudulent loans.

A statement from the U.S. Assistant for the Northern District of Georgia stated that the Chrisleys’ guilty verdicts were the culmination of a three-week trial in U.S. District Court.

Before becoming TV celebrities, the Chrisleys were charged with falsifying bank statements, audit reports, and personal financial statements in order to get personal loans of millions from Atlanta community banks.

Prosecutors claim that the couple used the funds to buy luxury cars and designer clothing, as well as travel. They also borrowed bogus loans in order to repay some old debts. Todd Chrisley filed for bankruptcy in order to discharge more than $20,000,000 of debt.

They also had their own reality series on USA Network, “Chrisley Knows Best”, in 2014. This show featured Todd Chrisley playing a Georgia realtycoon as well as the patriarch of an Atlanta-area family.

Todd Chrisley owed $500,000 in late taxes. To avoid this, Chrisley and his wife opened corporate bank accounts in the name of his wife. Then, they transferred ownership of his company to his mother in law, according to prosecutors.

Prosecutors also claim that the couple did not file any tax returns, or pay taxes, from 2013 to 2016, even though they were making millions through their TV show.

A trial jury found all charges guilty, including tax evasion, conspiracy bank fraud, and conspiracy defrauding Internal Revenue Service. Julie Chrisley was also found guilty of wire fraud, obstruction of justice and conspiracy to commit bank fraud. October 6 was the date for sentencing.

Just one month ago, “Chrisley Knows Best,” was renewed on USA Network for a 10th series. E!! Variety reports that entertainment channel “Growing Up Chrisley,” a spinoff of the series, was picked up by Variety.

E! Variety also reported that E! gave the green light last month to production of a new series on dating called “Love Limo”, starring Todd Chrisley and being produced by him.

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