Lindsie Chrisley has spoken about how relieved she felt knowing that her parents were welcomed so warmly into federal prison.
For those needing a recap...
Lindsie's parents Todd, 53, and Julie, 50, were sentenced to 12 and seven years in federal prison respectively for 12 counts of tax fraud. The real estate mogul and his wife had portrayed a picture-perfect life on their reality TV series Chrisley Knows Best.
Unfortunately, their lives began to unravel after they were accused of multiple financial crimes, including wire fraud and conspiracy to commit bank fraud.
According to Insider, the prosecutors discovered that the pair used loans to live a lifestyle they couldn't afford by purchasing expensive cars, houses, and taking luxurious trips, while also concealing money from the IRS to evade paying taxes.
"The Chrisleys have built an empire based on the lie that their wealth came from dedication and hard work. The jury's unanimous verdict sets the record straight: Todd and Julie Chrisley are career swindlers who have made a living by jumping from one fraud scheme to another, lying to banks, stiffing vendors, and evading taxes at every corner," the prosecutors stated in the sentencing memo.
Now, one of the couple's five children - 33-year-old Lindsie - revealed on her podcast The Southern Tea that she feels "blessed" that her parents - who reported to prison on January 17 - were "welcomed with open arms" into federal prison. "I feel so blessed with that because I have heard of other people reporting and that not being the case, so I do feel like we're so blessed in that regard," she said, via People.
Lindsie's podcast guest, Justin Paperny - a prison consultant who advised Todd and his wife Julie - praised the Chrisleys for having the guts to go to trial. "The odds of prevailing at trial, as you know, are very low. So to go through it, knowing the odds are against you - and then to endure the conviction and a lengthy prison term with your dignity and a plan, still finding meaning, connecting with your family - it's hard to do, and it can be inspirational to other prisoners," he stated.
While Lindsie had concerns about her parents, she did reveal that her father Todd is doing well. "One of my biggest concerns was the access to televisions, and a question that I asked you [was], 'Do you think people have seen Chrisley Knows Best that are serving time in these camps?' And simply the answer, I know the answer now, is yes," she said.
"My last visit with my dad, I couldn't stop telling him how great that he looked," Lindsie admitted. "He looks very, very good. I told him, I said, 'Even your hair looks better, a little bit longer and a little bit grayer.' His nails aren't completely bitten off."