Todd and Julie Chrisley are currently on trial for their fraud charges, and recent testimony from a former business partner claims that the couple may have been privy to the fraudulent activities. In 2019, the Chrisleys were charged and indicted for different counts of alleged tax evasion, wire fraud and conspiracy bank fraud. When the news initially broke about what the family had done, they released a statement blaming the issues on a former employee, and they claimed they did not know anything about what the employee was doing with their funds. They even claimed that the employee stole large amounts of money from them.
At this point, lawsuits between the Chrisleys and other parties involved were filed. The Chrisleys released names of people they were holding able for the trouble they were in. In return, some of those people filed defamation and libel lawsuits, but this did not intimidate the Chrisley family. The trial for this huge case has begun and, thus far, things do not seem to be going in the favor of the famous family.
Mark Braddock, one of Todd's former employees, took the stand in court and testified, claiming that he helped the stars commit fraud mainly because he was allegedly having an affair with Todd, according to the Todd in e-mails and phone calls--all in the name of love. When the alleged affair ended in 2012, Mark was released as an employee at the Chrisley Asset Management office, and Todd threatened to call the police on him. Out of anger and spite, Mark then reported the couple's alleged crimes to the FBI. To report the crimes, he created fake e-mail addresses and revealed all the information he had. Bruce Morris, the Chrisleys' lawyer, said that Mark only assisted in the crimes because of his obsession with Todd, but Mark strongly denied these claims. However, he claimed that Todd was the only man he was ever intimate with.
Mark's claims also revealed that the Chrisley family was also working hard to cover up the alleged affair between him and Todd. When the affair ended, those involved received messages from an anonymous person alluding to the fact that they were aware of the affair as well as the crimes. The anonymous person said, "Pay cash and we'll shut up." Together, Todd and Mark allegedly paid the extortioner $38,000, and Mark was responsible for withdrawing the money from the bank in four parts of $9,500. The money was allegedly given to Todd, who then delivered the money to the extortioner. Social media s have been reacting to the alleged affair since it has always been speculated that Todd might not be straight. Twitter @TruthOfBravo said, "Not #ToddChrisley out here on the down low having a intimate relationship with his Co Conspirator & right hand man," to which @LAinNJ34 sarcastically responded, "Not shocked at all!"
Fans of the Chrisley Knows Best reality show have to wait a while before the verdict for the case is released as the trial is still ongoing. However, based on their charges, the Chrisleys may be facing several years in prison. Someone found guilty of tax evasion faces a minimum of five years in prison, and those found guilty of bank fraud face a minimum of 30 years. If the family is lucky enough to escape a prison sentence, they will be left to pay a hefty fine. This court case and its consequences may possibly prevent Todd from hosting Love Limo, a new dating show that is set to premiere in 2023.
Chrisley Knows Best returns June 23 at 9 p.m. EDT on USA.
Sources: Daily Mail, @TruthOfBravo/Twitter, @LAinNJ34/Twitter