Todd Chrisley Is ‘Suffering From Anxiety’ & Has Privacy Issues Behind Bars, Says Lawyer
Locked-up reality star Todd Chrisley is struggling with anxiety amid his 12-year prison sentence for bank and tax fraud, according to his attorney.
Speaking to the Los Angeles Times, Todd’s lawyer Jay Surgent said of his client, “He’s still very energetic, but I think he’s suffering from anxiety in not knowing what’s happening on the outside with his case.”
Todd and his wife, Julie Chrisley, were convicted in June 2022 on tax evasion and bank fraud charges. In January 2023, Todd reported to Florida’s Federal Prison Camp Pensacola to begin his 12-year sentence, while Julie started her seven-year sentence at Kentucky’s Federal Medical Center in Lexington.
The Chrisley Knows Best stars are working on appealing their sentences and convictions, but the process has been arduous and, according to Surgent, a major cause of Todd’s anxiety.
“I think [Todd is] frustrated with the legal system in general, as far as how long it takes to get anything processed — from getting mail to being able to make phone calls to having his case processed on appeal,” Surgent told the LA Times. “Everything is delay, delay, delay and it’s very frustrating to him.”
Surgent also revealed Todd’s issues with privacy while behind bars. He claimed that people at the prison have taken photos of Todd in his sleep and that his client has to exercise in a private space “because if he goes outside the facility… there’s paparazzi out there trying to take pictures of him.”
He added that Todd lives a “neutralized existence,” which consists of eating his daily meals, occasionally watching TV, and speaking with other inmates.
Last month, Todd and Julie’s children, Savannah and Chase Chrisley, shared details of their parents’ prison conditions during an episode of Savannah’s Unlocked podcast. They claimed that the prisons have no air conditioning, bad plumbing, potential mold, lack of water, and even snakes at Julie’s facility in Kentucky.
Responding to the claims, a spokesperson for the Bureau of Prisons told the LA Times, “We can assure you all AICs have unlimited access to drinking water and the Bureau of Prisons (BOP) is monitoring the ventilation at the Federal Prison Camp (FPC) Pensacola and the Federal Medical Center (FMC) Lexington, as one of our highest priorities is the safety of BOP employees and AICs.”
Conversation65 Comments
Please read the TV Insider Community Guidelines.
Comments are closed on this story.
-
G
I really love Todd and Julie Chrisley, but they had the best attorneys money could buy. What about all the innocent people incarcerated because they are the wrong color and/or poor?
46 4
-
O
There’s innocent white people too
1 2
-
G
Your correct and their not in prison. Cause they follow the law.And didn't steal millions
-
-
-
R
You are one big anxiety ball 24/7 even when you are not in prison! What a joke you want to finish out your sentence in the privacy of your home! Such entitlement still yet! Grow a pair and man up and quit being the wilting flower that you are. Admit your crimes and remember god is watching you!
46 5
-
G
That was so funny 🤣 Wilting flower, I'm so baffled I was almost sure he was going to love being around all those manly men just dropping soap everywhere ❄️❄️❄️❄️❄️
-
-
O
It's called prison, not the spa! You did the crime, do the time. I think their sentences should have been longer.
48 11
-
C
I'm pretty sure that's why you shouldn't be a crook. You reap what you sow! That's what happens to greed people. No sympathy. Do your time.
39 3
-
O
All I have to say is if Martha Stewart, Madeoff, Wesley Snipes, Lauryn Hill and other celebrities or well know figures made it I'm sure they will be just fine. The one thing I know for sure is the U.S don't like when you steal money especially their money. I like the Chrisley's but fair is fair.
33
-
G
All of the above admitted their guilt. Other then Madoff, they all got reasonable sentences. The Christies on the other hand continue to proclaim the innocence and don't take responsibility. If they had their sentences would have been much shorter and they would have had hopes for a future.
2
-
G
Yup, they think their above the law. I think when (Bravos) Real housewives of New Jersey Teresa Guidas and her husband went to jail, then he was deported back to Italy, reality set in for all, that it could happen to them too.
-
-
-
O
This is not a vacation. You make the choice and live with your consequences.
35 2
-
B
Aww,Their privilege doesn't work in prison. And anxiety, get real 🙃. Try having no money, hating your job,and smiling the whole day,just so you can provide for your family. They'll get out early, write a book, hit the talk show circuits and Lifetime will make a flop movie about them;then Poof,it will be as if it never happened. Boo hoo,take a Xanax and do your time.
37 5
-
C
If conditions are that bad they should fight for improvement for all not just themselves. Selfish fake rich people.
27 4
-
O
Aw, poor baby.
20 2
-
G
You're in prison! What did you expect? Did you think Gucci was suppling your clothes. You shouldn't have cheated the Government. Well....11 1/2 more years to go. Oh BTW, the legal system is not going to speed up just for you.
12 1
-
G
I am a big fan, however, I am so sure by now, they wish they had paid their taxes! All them millions, why would you think you could get away w something like that. Rude awakening. Obviously he felt above the law, and that they wouldn’t go to jail.
10
-
O
Why do they think they are special ?! I'm sure the conditions are terrible after living their lifestyle (they didn't earn honestly) ..but seriously who do they think they are !!
9
-
T
I understand that prisons shouldn't be spas but they shouldn't be torture chambers either which is what they are in southern states without AC. Prison systems in the Netherlands rehabilitate instead of just punish. Look up privatized prisons. It's terrifying that we have government contracts requiring a certain amount of prisoners. Doesn't this make y'all wonder why we want to put people in jail for drug use like marijuana or even other drugs that hurt no one but the person doing it?
21 12
-
G
They should've done the crime in the Netherlands and be treated like Queens.
But they decided to do in the USA. Well I hope they read these comments so the next time they try to be entitlement and feel they are above the law they should do it in the Netherlands
2 2
-
-
O
BooooHooooo
I don’t belong with these people. I’m richer. Oh yeah, maybe not.
They’ve been mean to me. 🤐😩😫
10 1
-
B
Other celebrity people made it thru being locked up people who are in a real prison in Texas have no air conditioning in this heat over 100 and this week will be over 104 and higher so you did the crime you need to do the time
9 1
-
C
Leave him there. He will adjust he is not special, best dose of reality he needs.
9 1
-
G
Do the crime do the time. He's having anxiety from.lack of botox and injections
8 1
-
O
HE doesn't have any privacy, what did he expect in jail
7 1
-
P
Too bad. Live with what you did. You lived the high life now live with what you deserve. You are not special.
7 1
-
R
I guess the lesson here is... Don't break the law and you don't have to worry about these kind of things.. but like everybody else who has money they expect special treatment even in prison... I say shut up and do your time just like every other criminal in this country
5
-
R
Karma
5 1
-
O
He is in prison for a reason….shut up and serve your time.
6 2
-
O
Life is great when we are not caught doing what is wrong . Therefore prison is not meant to be a great place , but an uncomfortable place to pay for doing wrong in our lives . God bless you
3
-
R
It’s Prison what were they expecting a country club lol do the crime do the time stop crying already.
2
-
G
Well jail is not meant to be easy or comfortable it's punishment same for everybody having money just don't matter it sucks but in order for it to be equal for everybody nobody gets special treatment
2
-
P
Well you do the crime you do the time. There’s is other individuals who are appealing their sentences as well. Stand in line. These fellow inmates don’t have star status or popularity. But speed up the process for me me me. Everyone has equal rights to here their appeals. And by the way prison is prison.
2
-
B
So why isn't the orange blob in jail yet? Yea, what they did was wrong, but what he did & is still doing, is so much worse.
1 1
-
-
O
I think he is a whiny, melodramatic 13 yr old. Growup! You knew what you were doing and that it was wrong. These prison years are what you earned.
1
-
O
Did they expect a country club. 🤔 sorry it's jail
1
-
O
Idk many others who should be in jail. Can't just be selective. Besides put them under house arrest. More prisoners for the tax payers. Let them buy their own stuff.
5 4
-
D
Prisoners think they deserve AC? What about all the poor people in the US like homeless, living in cars, etc? They have committed no crimes but still have to live without AC because they can't afford it.
-
C
Why pick on the kids? They’re the innocent ones who did nothing except stand behind their parents as anyone would do. Yes, their parents messed up and they’re doing their time for it. They really hurt their kids and selfishly didn’t think about how devastating it is for their kids. To tell a 25 yr old to take a Xanax and do his time is just wrong. I’m a mother and grandmother so my heart breaks for innocent kids.
-
G
It's all around sad. Bad choices were made. Be strong pray and time will pass. Your children are safe and healthy. Lean on God.
-
O
Totally and absolutely agree!!!!#
-
O
Amen and Amen!!! I know one thing reading these responses, there are some very judgemental people who are not paying attention to other information flowing like the conditions of the prisons.
Savannah Chrisley has specifically stated how bad it is for her parents as well as all inmates saying none of them should have to live in it. Pay closer attention people!
-
B
Todd and Julie killed n one ,why did they get such sentences..
-
G
Prison is not supposed to be a spa. This is real life. Not that out of touch privilege life they live.
-
B
They need stop thinking they are at a country club!! You're in prison Todd.
Don't do the crime if you can't do the time.
-
C
Don't feel sorry for either one of them. Just like anyone else who commits a crime and is sentenced, you do the time.
-
O
If you read the paper, watch the news there are plenty of us that are having anxiety, join the party. I am sure most of the immates have the same problems you do, chin up Todd do your time make some friends.
-
O
Tough Cheese! You were arrested, tried and convicted by jury of your peers. Count your Blessings...you could be serving time in a state penitentiary! My heart does not Bleed for you or your wife! I am sure most of the public feels the same!
-
O
Poor Baby thinks he should get special privileges over anyone else in prison. Keep Todd Locked Up.
-
O
Todd I am praying for you and Julie ,Jesus knows y'all's needs and I know he will provide keep praying
-
O
I think Todd is enjoying being in prison if ya know what I mean.
1 1
-
P
I think their ass needs to realize what the rest of the world has to go through when they break the law. Poor little things...to damn bad, suck it up and face the fact...you got caught.
-
O
I used to watch his show....and I am not aware of any concerns that he offered about prison conditions before he got there!
1
-
O
What an absolute joke that we are talking about this or it's even in the news. They are in jail because they committed a crime and got caught. It's not summer camp. You are not better than anyone else.
1
-
O
I just spent 6 years in federal prison it was my first and last time in prison. At the low and camp level in federal prison it’s not that bad especially at the camps you can’t really call them a prison you can’t leave but it is definitely not the end of the world. He’s just a whiny little bitch
1
-
O
They aren't smiling now! Do the crime pay with time! Let them both rot.
1
-
B
I think they need to be given a new trail, and be home under house arrest until this happens…what a joke…The IRS lied and it was so obvious and this judge did nothing about it…makes you really wonder about our system…
These are not murderers, these are good people being crushed by our system…how many others got this kind of time for the same offense, oh they didn’t show remorse, no they didn’t because they didn’t do anything wrong, they were put in a position they should have never been in…LET THEM GO HOME TO THERE FAMILY !!
2 3
-
O
While Todd and Julie got sent to prison for tax evasion Joe Bidens son Hunter did the same thing and got a slap on the rest. If Hunter walks free then should others. There is a two tiered justice system in this country and it has to end. Look at the way they have treated Trump and then look at the real crime family making our president a compromised one.
5 7
-
R
Trump should be in jail for tax evasion, just for starters. I hope he’s sent to a very hot prison for a long time. It will get him used to where he’s going to end up anyway.
3 2
-
P
Trump should be in prison for a bunch of crimes. Biggest crook ever been born.
1 1
-
-
O
The Chrisleys never plead guilty and they were convicted of many other crimes. Lock them up.
3
-
-
O
let the people go and pay back the money afterall they killed nobody
14 16
-
C
They broke the law and stole other people's money.
9 1
-
-
G
If trump goes to prison I won’t feel so bad about the christy family
6 9
-
P
They got more time than most killers do. They should let them go home. Have them do community service. They need to be with their children.
9 14
-
C
That's not true. What is your source?
1
-
Watchlist Easy access to only the shows you care about — all in one simple place
Alerts Only important notifications — when a show is returning, when it becomes available to stream, and more.
Special Offers Exclusive products we release related to your favorite shows and streaming services