Todd Chrisley claims MAGA sticker removed from cell, hopes for Trump pardon
Todd Chrisley and Donald Trump
ATLANTA - Former reality TV star Todd Chrisley, 55, is once again claiming he is being mistreated while serving his prison sentence and believes he is now being targeted due to his support for President Donald Trump, according to TMZ.
What we know:
According to Chrisley’s attorney, Jay Surgent, the former reality star has been subjected to daily harassment by prison guards.
He claims guards have frequently searched his cell, flipping over his mattress, tossing books on the floor, and going through his clothes.
Chrisley also alleges that a guard once poured a Pepsi on his bed and that he is facing retaliation for speaking out about prison conditions at FPC Pensacola, which is set to close later this year.
One incident that particularly troubled Chrisley involved a prison guard removing a MAGA sticker from a chair in his cell while allowing other inmates to keep similar personal items.
His attorney says Chrisley believes he is being singled out because of his support for President Trump.
What they're saying:
Chrisley’s attorney, Jay Surgent, told TMZ that his client is hoping Trump will consider granting him a pardon.
"Todd and his wife would like to be considered for a pardon, but it will be up to President Trump to review their cases," Surgent said. "Todd has faith he will be given due consideration, because he feels that he never received constitutional protections in a fair criminal justice system."
Daughter Savannah Chrisley has also been outspoken about her mother's treatment in prison.
The other side:
The Federal Bureau of Prisons (BOP) declined to comment on the specific allegations but stated that they are committed to ensuring the safety of individuals in custody and that any claims of misconduct are investigated thoroughly.
The agency added that appropriate action is taken if misconduct allegations are proven true, which could include criminal prosecution.
The backstory:
Todd Chrisley, and his wife, Julie, gained fame for their show, "Chrisley Knows Best," which followed their tight-knit family and extravagant lifestyle. A jury in 2022 found them guilty of conspiring to defraud community banks out of more than $30 million in fraudulent loans. The Chrisleys were also found guilty of tax evasion by hiding their earnings.
Before the Chrisleys became reality television stars, they and a former business partner submitted false documents to banks in the Atlanta area to obtain fraudulent loans, prosecutors said during their trial.
Prosecutors accused the couple of spending lavishly on luxury cars, designer clothes, real estate and travel, and using new fraudulent loans to pay off old ones. Todd Chrisley then filed for bankruptcy, according to prosecutors, walking away from more than $20 million in unpaid loans.
Julie Chrisley was sentenced to seven years in prison for her convictions on bank fraud and tax evasion charges and has been held at a facility in Lexington, Kentucky. In September, U.S. District Judge Eleanor L. Ross denied her request for a shorter sentence.
The couple was initially ordered to pay $17.8 million in restitution, but Ross said that the amount now stands at $4.7 million.
Other Recent Issues:
Chrisley was also recently dismissed from his role as assistant to the chaplain, where he was helping set up church services for inmates of different faiths.
RELATED: Todd Chrisley dismissed from job at prison chapel, attorney says
Chrisley was removed from his position due to "associating with inmates" who are part of the prison's Residential Drug Abuse Program, according to his attorney. He added that Chrisley also lost access to an office in the chapel where he did his volunteer work and was "sad" about his dismissal from the role.
What's next:
Their daughter, Savannah Chrisley, has been vocal about their case and criticized the justice system during a speech at the Republican National Convention (RNC) last year.
RELATED: Savannah Chrisley at RNC 2024 delivers passionate speech about family’s ‘injustice’
Chrisley remains hopeful that Trump will review his case and grant a presidential pardon. It remains unclear whether the BOP is actively investigating his allegations or if any actions will be taken. Additionally, with FPC Pensacola set to shut down this year, it is unknown where Chrisley will be transferred.
Big picture view:
Allegations of mistreatment in federal prisons are not uncommon, and Chrisley’s claims raise broader concerns about retaliation against inmates who speak out.
The planned closure of FPC Pensacola also brings questions about prison conditions and the fate of inmates and staff.
Chrisley’s high-profile case and his connections to Trump supporters could bring more public and political attention to his claims and potential legal appeals.