Todd and Julie Chrisley, stars of the reality TV show “Chrisley Knows Best,” have been awarded a $1 million settlement in a lawsuit against a Georgia tax official. The couple sued the official for investigating what they called “bogus” claims about them. Their attorney, Alex Little, described the settlement as “encouraging.” He also noted that it is unusual for one arm of the government to pay money to defendants while another arm is fighting to keep them in jail. This is in reference to Todd and Julie’s ongoing prison sentences for bank fraud and tax evasion.
In their lawsuit, the Chrisleys accused the former director of special investigations at Georgia’s Department of Revenue, Joshua Waites, of specifically targeting them in the state’s tax evasion case. They claimed that Waites had focused his efforts on them and Todd’s estranged daughter, Lindsie Chrisley, in an attempt to gather compromising information about their finances. The lawsuit included text messages that Waites allegedly sent to Lindsie.
After being cleared by Georgia, Todd and Julie filed the lawsuit, alleging that Waites had abused his office and violated their rights for publicity and money. The Georgia Department of Revenue insisted that its investigators are fair and impartial but acknowledged that the Chrisleys’ revelations were disappointing.
Although cleared by the state, Todd and Julie were found guilty by a federal jury in 2022 and began serving their 19-year sentences last January. Their attorney is currently working to reduce their sentences further. The couple’s attorney, as well as the Georgia Department of Revenue, did not immediately respond to requests for comment.
In conclusion, Todd and Julie Chrisley have received a $1 million settlement in their lawsuit against a Georgia tax official. The couple claimed they were targeted and their rights were violated during the state’s tax evasion case against them. They are currently serving prison sentences for bank fraud and tax evasion.