‘Chrisley Knows Best’ Canceled by US as Todd Chrisley Sentenced to 12 Years in Federal Prison in Tax Evasion Case

Maybe Chrisley doesn’t know best. On Monday (November 21), Todd Chrisley and his wife, Julie Chrisley, received long prison sentences after being found guilty of bank fraud and tax evasion – and if that’s not enough, media reports that their reality shows were axed as a result.

Todd was sentenced to 12 years in prison while his wife, Julie, is expected to serve seven years, NPR reports. They will also be sentenced to serve three years of probation once they are released and will have to pay compensation, although the amount has not yet been determined.

In a court filing, Todd’s lawyers argued that he should face no more than nine years in prison, while his wife should be given probation with special terms and no jail time.

The couple, who shot to fame with their USA Network reality series Chrisley knows best, was first charged in August 2019, when prosecutors alleged he submitted false documents when trying to receive $30 million in loans. When the couple couldn’t repay them, they reportedly filed for bankruptcy, launched their show, and hid the profits they made from the IRS. Prosecutors also alleged that Julie submitted false credit reports and bank statements while trying to rent a house.

The couple were convicted in June of this year of bank fraud, tax evasion and conspiracy to defraud the IRS, per NPR. Meanwhile, Julie was also convicted of wire fraud and obstruction of justice.

“The Chrisleys built an empire based on the lie that their wealth came from dedication and hard work,” prosecutors wrote in a pre-sentence filing, per NPR. “The unanimous jury verdict sets the record straight: Todd and Julie Chrisley are career crooks who have made their living by jumping from one fraudulent scheme to another, lying to banks, harassing salespeople and dodging taxes around every corner.”

According to the deadline, Chrisley knows best was renewed for a tenth season just a month before the pair were sentenced. While there’s been no official word from NBCUniversal yet, Deadline reports that USA Network will air some of the episodes that were filmed before the show’s pre-run track – or its spinoff, Growing up Chrisley – completely leaves the air.