Todd Chrisley, the reality TV star known best for his show Chrisley Knows Best, is now teaching finance classes in prison after pleading guilty to tax evasion and other related fraud charges.
Chrisley, whose previous career was in real estate, was facing a minimum 10-year sentence stemming from several fraud charges leveled against him and his wife Julie. Since both of them pleaded guilty to the charges, they will be facing a 5-year probation period instead with the added condition that they pay about $2 million in restitution.
As part of his plea deal, Chrisley is now teaching classes to reduce his sentence. He is teaching inmates about budgeting, money management, and financial responsibility. Todd’s daughter Savannah Chrisley spoke to Access Hollywood about her father teaching the classes, saying, “My dad’s teaching a financial class in prison, and they actually asked him if he could come back and teach it again.”
Budgeting and other financial practices may not be the most exciting topics to teach in prison, but Chrisley’s classes can help offenders turn their lives around. His set of classes equip inmates with the tools to make better financial decisions and manage money more effectively.
If anything, the classes might be helping Chrisley learn more about himself as well. Instead of just completing his sentences and being on his way, Chrisley understands the importance of teaching important life skills to others and motivating them to succeed. He is likely seeing the value of giving back and being an example of how to turn around a troubled life.
Chrisley is a prime example of how someone can remain resilient in the face of adversity. Despite the fraud charges against him, he remained upbeat and remained inspired to teach classes even in prison. What’s more, the classes seem to be a success, with even his daughter praising his efforts. Ultimately, Chrisley’s courage and respect for the education system, even during his time in prison, is inspiring.