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Raelynn defends “amazing” Todd, Julie Chrisley after conviction
Singer Raelynn defended her pals Todd and Julie Chrisley after the reality TV couple were sentenced to prison for white-collar crimes.
“Todd and Julie Chrisley are some of the most amazing and dedicated people I’ve ever met,” the 28-year-old “God Made Girls” singer wrote in her Instagram stories on Monday.
“Today’s results are absolutely Disgusting. It’s bad. The lies and misinformation that have been spread about this case and this family is amazing.”
Raelynn, who participated in the second season of “The Voice” in 2012, also encouraged the judicial system to “properly [sentence] people committing crimes. NOT GOOD PEOPLE WHO HELP AND LOVE PEOPLE.”
Musician’s friend Paige Szupello – the Chrisleys’ longtime makeup artist – also supported Todd, 53, and Julie, 49, on social media, urging followers to show compassion.
“The Chrisley family is one of the greatest blessings of my life,” she wrote in her own story on Monday.
“They are people just like us. I wouldn’t wish what they’re going through on my worst enemy and I can’t even fathom it,” Szupello continued. “This is family. The most amazing family that makes our world a better place.”
Todd was slapped for 12 years behind bars and Julie was sentenced to seven years in prison, the Northern District of Georgia Attorney General’s Office confirmed.
“Over the decade, the defendants defrauded banks of tens of millions of dollars by evading federal income taxes,” prosecutor Ryan K. Buchanan said in a statement.
“Their long sentences reflect the scale of their criminal agenda and should serve as a warning to others who are tempted to use our country’s community banking system for unlawful personal gain.”
After being sentenced to a total of 19 years in prison for bank fraud and tax evasion, in addition to submitting false documents to banks, it looks like they will have to leave their homes.
Judge Eleanor Ross of the United States District Court in Atlanta ordered the stars of “Chrisley Knows Best” to pay $17.2 million in damages in connection with their $36 million fraud.
Sources told The Post they would likely have to give up two mansions in Nashville, Tennessee, worth about $9 million, to help fulfill their pledge.
“They will unfortunately have to give up a lot of things, including their homes. They won’t be able to afford it,” the source said. “But their main concern right now is their children, especially their youngest boy.”
The verdict comes days after their youngest son, 16-year-old Grayson, was hospitalized after an accident on the Tennessee Interstate.
Todd and Julie also share Lindsie, 33, Kyle, 31, Chase, 26, and daughter Savannah, 25, the latter of whom took custody of Grayson after her parents were convicted.