By Edition News Staff
May 29, 2025
Peter Tarantino, a Certified Public Accountant from Alpharetta, Georgia, played a pivotal role in the financial misconduct that led to the convictions of reality TV stars Todd and Julie Chrisley. In 2022, Tarantino was found guilty of conspiring with the Chrisleys to defraud banks and the Internal Revenue Service (IRS), resulting in his sentencing to three years in federal prison.
Tarantino, who had been practicing public accounting since 1986, was hired by the Chrisleys to manage their financial affairs. The trio conspired to obtain over $30 million in fraudulent loans by submitting false documents to banks, including fabricated bank statements and audit reports. Additionally, they evaded taxes by concealing income and filing false corporate tax returns. The scheme involved using new loans to pay off old ones and spending the illicit funds on luxury items and real estate. Tarantino was convicted of filing two false corporate tax returns on behalf of the Chrisleys' company and conspiring to defraud the IRS .
In November 2022, Tarantino was sentenced to 36 months in federal prison, followed by three years of supervised release. While prosecutors recommended a sentence of 41 months, citing the severity of the crimes, Tarantino's defense team argued for a more lenient sentence, emphasizing his lack of prior criminal history and cooperation during the investigation .
Despite his cooperation, Tarantino's actions were deemed significant in the execution of the fraudulent schemes. The court noted that his professional expertise was instrumental in facilitating the Chrisleys' financial misconduct .
As of May 2025, Tarantino remains incarcerated, continuing to serve his sentence. Unlike the Chrisleys, who were granted pardons by President Donald Trump in early 2025, Tarantino has not received clemency. His legal team has not publicly announced any plans to seek a pardon or appeal the conviction.New York Post
Tarantino's case underscores the critical role that financial professionals play in ensuring compliance with tax laws and regulations. His involvement in the Chrisleys' fraudulent activities highlights the potential consequences for accountants and other financial advisors who engage in or facilitate illegal financial schemes.
While the Chrisleys have resumed their public lives following their pardons, Tarantino's future remains uncertain. His case serves as a cautionary tale for professionals in the financial industry about the importance of ethical conduct and adherence to legal standards.
