The Chrisley family matriarch was seen crying as a judge ruled to keep her original sentence of 84 months in prison for her role in her fraud case
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Julie Chrisley speaks onstage during the ‘Chrisley Knows Best’ panel at the 2016 NBCUniversal Summer Press Day at Four Seasons Hotel Westlake Village on April 1, 2016 in Westlake Village, California.
When Julie Chrisley appeared at her resentencing hearing on Sept. 25, she issued her first public apology for her role in the $30 million fraud and tax evasion case with her husband Todd Chrisley.
Before a judge at the United States District Court for the Northern District of Georgia ruled that her original punishment of 84 months of prison was sufficient, the Chrisley Knows Best alum, 51, addressed the court in an emotional plea.
“I would like to say I’ve had years to think about what I’ve wanted to say and I’m sorry for my actions and situations that led us to where we are today,” Julie began. “I’ve had 20 months in prison, but it has been much more leading up to the trial and I apologize for my actions that led to where we are today.”
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Julie Chrisley
Related: Julie Chrisley Makes Emotional Court Appearance as Her 84-Month Sentence Is Upheld
She continued through tears, “I have done everything I can do to get closer to my family. I’ve taken tests for new skills, such as driving a forklift and serving food in proper ways … this has been the most difficult part of my life. I can’t ever repay my children for what they’ve had to go through and for that, I am so sorry.”
The judge then upheld Julie’s original sentence, though she recognized the letters she had received from Julie’s children and their licensed therapist.
“I am concerned about the children, but all due respect you don’t get a pass from criminal conduct because you’re a parent,” the judge said, before denying Julie’s request for a 24-hour furlough before self reporting back to prison in Kentucky.
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The Chrisley Family
Related: Julie Chrisley Was Housed in Multiple Coed Facilities in Georgia Before Resentencing Hearing
After court was adjourned, Julie offered a smile to her daughter Savannah Chrisley before she was taken away.
PEOPLE has reached out to the Chrisley family’s representative and attorney for comment.
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In November 2022, Julie was sentenced to seven years and her 55-year-old husband, Todd, received a 12-year sentence for fraud and tax evasion. Although they began the process of appealing their case that December, they reported to their respective prisons in January 2023.
Following their April 2024 appeal hearing, a judge granted Julie’s appeal and vacated her seven-year sentence in June due to insufficient evidence. Todd’s sentence was upheld.
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