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Why were Todd and Julie Chrisley imprisoned? Reality TV stars released after Presidential Pardon confirmed

Why were Todd and Julie Chrisley imprisoned? Reality TV stars released after Presidential Pardon confirmed

Express Tribune29-05-2025
Todd and Julie Chrisley were released from prison on 28 May 2025 after receiving a full pardon from President Donald Trump. The couple, known for their reality show Chrisley Knows Best, had been convicted in 2022 for conspiring to defraud banks out of over $30 million and for tax evasion.
Prosecutors accused the Chrisleys of submitting false documents to secure fraudulent loans, then using the funds to maintain a lavish lifestyle that included luxury cars, designer goods and high-end travel. Todd later declared bankruptcy, leaving over $20 million in loans unpaid.
Todd was sentenced to 12 years in prison and Julie to 7 years, along with an order to repay $17.8 million in restitution. A U.S. appeals court later sent Julie's case back for resentencing due to a legal error in how her sentence was calculated.
Trump's pardon followed a call with daughter Savannah Chrisley, where he stated, 'Your parents are going to be free and clean and I hope that we can do it by tomorrow.' Savannah previously addressed the Republican National Convention, claiming her parents were targeted due to their conservative values.
Attorney Alex Little welcomed the pardon, saying it 'corrects a deep injustice' and enables the family to rebuild.
The Chrisleys now join a list of high-profile individuals granted clemency by Trump, as part of what he describes as correcting politically motivated prosecutions.
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