A federal judge has officially announced the resentencing date for Julie Chrisley, following a recent appeals court decision that vacated her previous fraud sentence. The new hearing is set for September 25 at the federal court building located in downtown Atlanta.
This development comes after the appeals court upheld the sentence of her husband, Todd Chrisley, who is currently serving a 12-year sentence in a federal prison in Florida. The couple, along with their accountant Peter Tarantino, was found guilty in 2022 of conspiring to defraud banks and the IRS out of millions of dollars. Together, they are serving a combined total of 15 years in prison, a reduction from their original 19-year sentence handed down earlier.
Julie Chrisley, known for her role in the reality TV series “Chrisley Knows Best,” was sentenced to seven years in prison for her involvement in the financial crimes. The appeals court’s decision to vacate her sentence was based on insufficient evidence regarding her involvement in the alleged crimes. The judges noted that they could not find the evidence that the district court relied upon to support its findings.
In a ruling issued on June 21, the judges stated, “The problem is that we have not located the evidence the district court relied on in adopting that finding. Our review of the record hasn’t revealed evidence to show, even by a preponderance of the evidence, that [Julie] was involved in 2006.” They further acknowledged that the evidence indicated her participation in the bank fraud conspiracy began in 2007, not 2006.
The Chrisleys were first indicted in 2019, accused of lying to secure $30 million in bank loans and subsequently filing for bankruptcy to avoid repayment. Despite maintaining their innocence, they were found guilty on all counts in 2022. They reported to prison in January 2023, but their sentences were reduced in September 2023.
Savannah Chrisley, the couple’s daughter, has been vocal about her family’s legal troubles and has expressed hope for her mother’s return home by Thanksgiving. She has also shared her concerns regarding the conditions her parents are facing in prison. Savannah revealed that her mother has suffered health issues due to extreme heat in the facility, where air conditioning is reportedly lacking.
In a recent episode of her podcast, Savannah discussed her mother’s fears about adjusting to life after prison. Julie expressed a desire for Savannah to stay with her for the first few months after her release, emphasizing the need for support during the transition. Savannah has been actively working to remind her mother of her worth, encouraging her to avoid referring to herself as an inmate.
The emotional toll of the situation has been significant for the entire family. Savannah shared that Todd Chrisley reacted with tears of joy upon hearing the news of Julie’s successful appeal, despite his own sentence remaining unchanged. The family is hopeful that Julie’s potential return home will positively impact Todd’s mental health and overall well-being.
As the resentencing date approaches, the Chrisley family remains focused on navigating the complexities of their legal battles and the emotional challenges that come with them. The outcome of Julie’s resentencing could have far-reaching implications for the family, and they are all eagerly awaiting the court’s decision.
Source: PEOPLE, Channel 2 Action News