Todd Chrisley and his wife, Julie Chrisley, have broken their silence following their tax/bank fraud conviction earlier this month.
The Chrisley Knows Best star, 53, said that ‘it has been a whirlwind’ during Friday’s episode of the Chrisley Confessions podcast, as the duo face 30 years in prison.
‘We wanted to let everyone know that it’s a very sad, heartbreaking time for our family right now,’ he said, while Julie, 49, added that they are ‘alive and kicking,’ and grateful for the support they’ve received.
Whirlwind: Todd Chrisley and wife, Julie, have broken their silence following their tax/bank fraud conviction during Friday’s episode of the Chrisley Confessions podcast; Pictured 2017
Todd continued, saying there are ‘a lot of moving parts, lot of things going on in our lives and a lot of seeing God’s movements right now.’
The reality TV star stated that the couple are not allowed to talk about the trial and their sentencing, but shared their current state of mind.
‘We still hold steadfast in our faith and we trust that God will do what he does because God’s a miracle worker — and that’s what we’re holding out for.’
Sad: ‘It’s a very sad, heartbreaking time for our family right now,’ Todd, 53, said; Pictured with their kids, L-R Savannah, Todd, Chase, Grayson, Julie, Kyle, Lindsie and grandson Jackson
Todd – who is currently on house arrest with Julie in their 6-bedroom, 10-bathroom mansion – went on, restating that it’s been a difficult time for the couple.
‘It’s a tough time right now, but we are grateful for each and every one of you that has taken the effort,’ he said, adding, ‘We’ve got to walk the walk and do whatever we have to do.’
He also asked for prayers, calling it the ‘greatest gift’ they can get instead of flowers or food.
Todd then gave an update on their children – Chase, 26, Savannah, 24, and Grayson, 16 — saying that they are ‘all doing the best that they can – a lot of tears [and] a lot of heartache, a lot of sorrow.’
Holding out hope: ‘We still hold steadfast in our faith and we trust that God will do what he does because God’s a miracle worker — and that’s what we’re holding out for,’ Todd added
Todd — who also shares daughter Lindsie, 32, and son Kyle, 30, with ex-wife Teresa Terry — said that Savannah and Chase will most likely take over the podcast.
‘We’re going to continue to do ‘Chrisley Confessions’ for as long as we get to do it and then Chase and Savannah will take it over. And at that point, they will be the ones that can fill you in on everything that’s going on in our lives at that point.’
Meanwhile a source told Us Weekly earlier this week that the couple were not expecting the guilty verdict, and that their life is currently on pause until they are sentenced.
Taking over: The couple also shared the kids might take over the podcast in the future: ‘We’re going to continue to do ‘Chrisley Confessions’ for as long as we get to do it and then Chase and Savannah will take it over’; Pictured in 2016
‘Any future planning in Todd and Julie’s life is pretty much on pause until they learn of the sentencing in the fall. It’s horrible news and they were not expecting to be found guilty. Their whole life changed in that moment.’
The insider added: ‘They aren’t sure what this means for the future of Chrisley Knows Best and all their other projects that were in the works. No one knows what’s going to happen or what to do at this stage.’
In the wake of her parents’ conviction, Savannah took to Instagram on Thursday vowing to stand by her family and asked her followers to ‘be kind’ as ‘it’s been a few weeks’ amid the family turmoil, as she shared a quote from writer Zanna Keithley.
The latest: Savannah, 24, took to Instagram on Thursday vowing to stand by her family in the wake of her parents being found guilty in connection with bank fraud and tax evasion
‘This life is so cruel and we’re all doing the best we can,’ the Atlanta native said. ‘I will continue to stand by my family and fight for justice. Justice for ourselves and for others that the system has failed.’
She added, ‘There is only so much I can comment on legally at this moment.’
Savannah said while she felt ‘let down by God’ amid the rough patch – as she feels her ‘relentless prayers have been unheard’ – she continues to remain faithful over the future.
‘I do believe that He will use every hardship and adversity we go through to strengthen us and prepare us for an even greater purpose,’ she said. ‘So I will continue believing in our Lord and Savior…I pray for strength, hope, and love.’
Savannah, pictured in 2019 in Tennessee, asked her followers to ‘be kind’ as ‘it’s been a few weeks’ amid the family turmoil
She thanked her fans who ‘continue to stand by our sides,’ adding that ‘this fight isn’t over’ and that it was time to ‘get back to work.’
Savannah wrapped up in saying, ‘Now is my time to break the glass ceiling – no matter what comes my way I WILL succeed.’
The post came after Todd and Julie were said to be ‘devastated and disappointed’ after being found guilty of running a years-long conspiracy to defraud community banks out of more than $30 million of fraudulent loans.
Todd and Julie Chrisley were found guilty on federal charges of bank fraud and tax evasion at the end of a three-week trial by a jury who found them guilty of conspiracy to take out more than $30 million in loans under fraudulent circumstances; Pictured in 2019 in Nashville
Prosecutors said they then used the funds to repay previous loans and fund a lavish lifestyle that featured luxury cars, real estate, expensive clothing and travel.
The Georgia jury also saw Todd’s ex-business partner confess to helping the couple with their crimes, while also claiming he had a gay affair with the father-of-five.
The Chrisley’s attorney said they plan to appeal the verdict and will ‘continue to fight until they are vindicated.’
Despite their guilty convictions, USA Network still plans to keep airing Chrisley Knows Best, with the second half season nine set to debut on June 23. It was renewed for a tenth season last month, however industry experts remain skeptical that production will move forward.
Savannah shared a retro shot of herself alongside her father
The couple was also found guilty of tax evasion and conspiracy to defraud the IRS, while Julie was found guilty of obstruction of justice and wire fraud, U.S. Attorney Ryan Buchanan’s office said, according to the AP.
In the wake of the conviction, the Chrisleys were placed under conditions of home detention and location monitoring by U.S. District Judge Eleanor Ross, and must inform probation officer of any purchases more than $1,000.
The couple will have a sentencing hearing on Thursday, October 6, in Atlanta, Georgia.
Savannah posed alongside her mother in a selfie she shared to the post