Todd Chrisley Fined $755K for Defaming Tax Investigator on Podcasts and Social Media

Todd Chrisley Ordered to Pay 755K for Slandering Tax Investigator Online

Todd Chrisley. Santiago Felipe/Getty Images

Todd Chrisley has faced another setback in court, this time for making defamatory remarks about a Georgia tax investigation.

Court documents revealed that Chrisley, who is 54 years old, has been instructed to pay $755,000 to Amy Doherty-Heinze, an investigator with the Georgia Department of Revenue. She was slandered by Chrisley on social media and podcasts.

The jury found Chrisley responsible for two claims of libel and slander, but not for a third claim. Doherty-Heinze was awarded $350,000 in compensatory damages, $170,000 in punitive damages, and $235,000 in attorney fees.

After hearing about her victory, Doherty-Heinze expressed her excitement that the verdict was in her favor. Her attorney, Nicole Wade, shared in a statement with Us that Doherty-Heinze was "thrilled" with the outcome.

The statement expressed gratitude towards the federal jury for vindicating her and concluding that Todd Chrisley's accusations were false and defamatory. Amy was especially pleased that the jury determined Mr. Chrisley had acted with malicious intent to harm her. She hopes this verdict will discourage him from targeting other innocent individuals in the future.

In response, Chrisley's lawyer, Leesa Guarnotta, issued a statement on behalf of the Chrisley Knows Best alum.

Todd Chrisley Ordered to Pay 755K for Slandering Tax Investigator Online

Todd Chrisley. Noel Vasquez/Getty Images

Guarnotta expressed his satisfaction with the jury's decision to acknowledge that not all of Mr. Chrisley's statements were defamatory and to award the plaintiff one fourth of the damages she requested. However, he also voiced concerns about the implications for the First Amendment if such a case could proceed to trial. He remains hopeful for a successful appeal.

Doherty-Heinze initiated her defamation lawsuit against Chrisley in July 2021. She alleged that Chrisley launched a social media campaign against the Department of Revenue and certain employees following an investigation into tax evasion involving Todd and Julie Chrisley.

The couple, Todd and Julie, were under investigation by both the state of Georgia and the federal government. In August 2019, they faced a federal trial and were charged with 12 counts including tax evasion, bank and wire fraud, and conspiracy. After being found guilty on all counts in June 2022, Todd was sentenced to 12 years in prison while Julie received a seven-year sentence.

In their case in Georgia, the Chrisleys were accused of owing over $2 million in state taxes from 2008 to 2016. However, in January 2024, Todd and Julie scored a small win in their Georgia case. They were able to secure a $1 million settlement from the state and also agreed to pay $150,000 to the state, as reported by the Associated Press at the time.

Editor's P/S:

The verdict against Todd Chrisley in the defamation case serves as a reminder of the importance of responsible speech, especially in the public eye. Chrisley's defamatory remarks not only damaged the reputation of the investigator but also undermined the integrity of the tax investigation. The jury's decision sends a clear message that such behavior will not be tolerated and that individuals who make false and malicious statements must be held accountable.

Furthermore, the case highlights the ongoing legal challenges faced by the Chrisleys. Despite their recent settlement in the Georgia tax case, their federal convictions remain a significant setback. The lengthy prison sentences imposed on Todd and Julie Chrisley underscore the severity of their offenses and the consequences of tax evasion. The outcome of their appeals will be closely watched, as it could have implications for the future of their criminal cases.