Chrisley Couple Secures $1 Million Settlement Amid Ongoing Legal Battles
In a significant development amid their ongoing legal battles, Todd and Julie Chrisley have reached a $1 million settlement in their 2019 federal lawsuit against Joshua Waites, the former Director of Special Investigations at the Georgia Department of Revenue. The settlement comes as the reality TV stars continue to appeal their criminal convictions related to a multimillion-dollar bank fraud and tax evasion scheme.
The couple’s attorney, Alex Little of Burr & Forman LLP, hailed the settlement as “an encouraging sign” and emphasized the unusual nature of the criminal case against the Chrisleys. “It’s nearly unprecedented for one arm of the government to pay money to defendants when another arm is fighting to keep them in jail,” stated Little.
The legal saga began when Todd and Julie were cleared of state tax evasion charges in Georgia and subsequently filed a lawsuit against Waites in October 2019. The lawsuit alleges that Waites, in his role as a public servant, unjustly targeted the Chrisley family, specifically focusing on Todd and his estranged daughter Lindsie.
According to the lawsuit, Waites attempted to extract information from Lindsie by sharing confidential tax information with her. Although Waites’s efforts ultimately failed, the Chrisleys claim they endured significant personal and financial hardship as a result.
Despite being acquitted of state tax evasion charges, Todd and Julie faced a federal grand jury indictment in August 2019, comprising 12 counts of bank and wire fraud, tax evasion, and conspiracy—charges they vehemently deny. The reality stars commenced their prison sentences in January 2023, with Todd scheduled for release on January 22, 2033, and Julie on October 19, 2028, following a reduction in their original sentences in September 2023.
The couple’s legal team highlighted that an appeal of their criminal convictions is set to be heard by the federal appeals court in Atlanta in April. As the Chrisleys navigate their complex legal battle, the $1 million settlement offers a notable development in their favor.