WASHINGTON — Former President Donald Trump is planning to pardon Todd and Julie Chrisley, the stars of the reality show Chrisley Knows Best, as part of a growing list of controversial clemency decisions involving high-profile figures. The couple is currently serving prison sentences for bank fraud and tax evasion.

The Chrisleys became household names through their popular reality series, which spotlighted their close-knit family and extravagant lifestyle. But in 2022, they were convicted of defrauding banks in the Atlanta area out of more than $30 million by submitting false documents to secure loans. Prosecutors said the couple used the money to fund their lavish lifestyle—think luxury cars, designer clothing, flashy real estate, and jet-setting vacations—all while hiding earnings from the IRS.

According to federal authorities, Todd Chrisley later declared bankruptcy, walking away from over $20 million in unpaid loans. He was sentenced to 12 years in prison; Julie received a seven-year sentence. The couple was also ordered to pay $17.8 million in restitution.

But Trump is now intervening.

“Your parents are going to be free and clean, and I hope we can do it by tomorrow,” Trump said in a phone call with their daughter, Savannah Chrisley. A clip of the call, posted online by a White House aide, also included the aide’s caption: “Trump Knows Best!”

Trump added, “They’ve been given a pretty harsh treatment based on what I’m hearing.”

While no formal announcement has been made, a White House official speaking anonymously confirmed the pardons are in the works.

A Pattern of High-Profile Pardons

The Chrisleys join a growing list of Trump’s controversial pardon recipients, many of whom have ties to him politically or personally. Just a day earlier, Trump pardoned Scott Jenkins, a former Virginia sheriff convicted of fraud and bribery. In an online post, Trump claimed Jenkins and his family had been “dragged through HELL by a Corrupt and Weaponized Biden DOJ.”

He’s also moved to pardon:

• Paul Walczak, a Florida health care executive imprisoned on tax charges whose mother was linked to the leak of Ashley Biden’s diary.
• Michele Fiore, a Nevada Republican who allegedly used money meant for a police memorial statue to pay for personal expenses, including plastic surgery.

The Chrisleys Say They Were Targeted

Todd and Julie Chrisley’s legal team praised Trump’s decision.

“This pardon corrects a deep injustice and restores two devoted parents to their family and community,” said their attorney, Alex Little. He argued that the couple was “targeted because of their conservative values and high profile,” claiming their prosecution involved “multiple constitutional violations and political bias.”

“Thanks to President Trump, the Chrisley family can now begin healing and rebuilding their lives,” he added.

Legal Battles and Public Advocacy

The Chrisleys’ legal fight is far from over. Last summer, a three-judge panel from the 11th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals upheld their convictions but found a legal error in Julie Chrisley’s sentencing. The panel ruled the trial judge wrongly held her responsible for the entire bank fraud scheme and sent the case back for resentencing.

Meanwhile, their daughter Savannah Chrisley has become a vocal advocate for her parents. Speaking at the 2024 Republican National Convention, she echoed Trump’s frequent criticisms of the criminal justice system.

She claimed her parents were “persecuted by rogue prosecutors” and targeted because of their conservative beliefs and public profile.

“I’ll never forget what the prosecutors said in the most heavily Democratic county in the state, before an Obama-appointed judge. He called us the ‘Trumps of the South,’” Savannah told the crowd. “He meant it as an insult—but let me tell you, boy, do I wear it as a badge of honor.”

As Trump positions himself for another presidential run, his use of the pardon power continues to draw both applause and scrutiny—raising questions about justice, loyalty, and the rule of law.

Source: AP News – Trump set to pardon reality TV stars Todd and Julie Chrisley of fraud and tax evasion convictions

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George Santos, the disgraced former congressman from New York, was sentenced Friday to 87 months in prison for wire fraud and aggravated identity theft tied to his 2022 campaign.

Once a rising figure in Republican politics, Santos broke down in tears in court as he acknowledged his wrongdoing. “I betrayed the confidence entrusted in me,” he said, adding, “I cannot rewrite the past, but I can control the road ahead.”

The sentencing marks a dramatic fall from grace for the 36-year-old, who was expelled from Congress in late 2023 after a House Ethics Committee report revealed a mountain of misconduct, including “uncharged and unlawful conduct.”

Federal prosecutors painted a damning picture: Santos stole identities, funneled campaign funds for personal use—including luxury items and vacations—and even collected unemployment benefits during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Ryan Harris didn’t hold back:

“He rose to one of the highest offices in the land on a wave of lies… and the extravagance along the way.”

Roberta Reardon, New York’s Labor Commissioner, criticized Santos during the hearing, calling his actions a “callous disregard for New Yorkers,” and reminded the court that his crimes “were not victimless.”

U.S. District Judge Joanna Seybert appeared unmoved by Santos’ defense, which claimed he had crafted an “alter ego” to escape a troubled upbringing. While Santos pleaded for a light, two-year sentence, the judge handed down the full 87 months prosecutors requested.

Seybert also questioned his continued deceit and lack of accountability. Despite making money through social media appearances and a documentary, she found it “incredible” that Santos never set aside funds for restitution.

He was previously ordered to repay $373,000 to victims.

Santos, who represented parts of Long Island and Queens, became infamous for fabricating much of his life story. He falsely claimed business successes, education credentials, and Jewish heritage—among many other lies.

Even after being charged, Santos tried to stage a political comeback, briefly running as an independent in another district. That effort fizzled, and he ultimately pleaded guilty just weeks before his federal trial was set to begin.

Now, he’s expected to report to prison by July 25, closing the chapter on one of the most bizarre political scandals in recent congressional history.

Source: CNN – Former Rep. George Santos sentenced to 87 months for federal fraud charges

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A Hollywood writer-director has been arrested on charges of defrauding Netflix out of $11 million, allegedly using the funds for cryptocurrency investments and lavish personal purchases instead of producing the sci-fi show he promised.

Director Carl Erik Rinsch at the Center of Netflix Fraud Case

Carl Erik Rinsch, best known for directing the film 47 Ronin, faces wire fraud and money laundering charges after federal prosecutors accused him of misleading Netflix into providing millions in additional funding for an unfinished project titled White Horse.

According to the indictment, Netflix had initially paid $44 million to acquire White Horse, but Rinsch later requested an additional $11 million, claiming he needed the funds to complete the show. Instead of using the money for production, prosecutors allege that Rinsch transferred the funds to a personal brokerage account, where he quickly lost nearly half through failed investments.

A Lavish Spending Spree

Rather than attempting to recover his production, Rinsch allegedly invested the remaining funds into cryptocurrency, which later yielded significant profits. Instead of returning the money, he reportedly transferred the earnings to his personal bank account and embarked on a staggering $10 million spending spree.

According to prosecutors, his extravagant purchases included:

• $1.8 million on credit card bills
• $1 million in legal fees to sue Netflix for even more money
• $3.8 million on luxury furniture and antiques
• $2.4 million on a fleet of five Rolls-Royces and a Ferrari
• $652,000 on high-end watches and designer clothing

Arrest and Court Appearance

Rinsch, 47, was arrested in West Hollywood, California, and appeared in a Los Angeles federal courtroom on Tuesday. Dressed in a turtleneck sweater and jeans, he was shackled at the wrists and ankles as he faced the judge. When asked if he had read the indictment, Rinsch replied, “Not cover to cover,” but confirmed he understood the charges against him.

U.S. Magistrate Judge Pedro V. Castillo ordered Rinsch’s release later that day after he agreed to post a $100,000 bond to guarantee his court appearance in New York, where the indictment was filed. His newly appointed attorney, Annie Carney, declined to comment but noted during the hearing that “the allegations in this case are purely financial.”

Netflix and Legal Fallout

Netflix has not commented on the case, and Rinsch’s next court date in New York has yet to be scheduled. Meanwhile, prosecutors continue to build their case against the director, signaling that Hollywood’s battle against financial fraud in the entertainment industry is far from over.

Source: AP News – Hollywood director arrested on charges of swindling Netflix out of $11M for a show that never aired

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Elizabeth Holmes, the disgraced founder of Theranos, will remain in prison after a federal appeals court rejected her bid to overturn her fraud conviction. The court ruled Monday that she failed to prove any legal missteps during her trial, where she was convicted of defrauding investors with false claims about her blood-testing startup’s capabilities.

Appeals Court Upholds Convictions and Restitution

A three-judge panel in San Francisco also upheld the fraud conviction of Holmes’ former business partner and ex-boyfriend, Ramesh “Sunny” Balwani. Additionally, the court reaffirmed a lower court’s order requiring both to pay $452 million in restitution to defrauded investors.

The Rise and Fall of Theranos

Holmes, once celebrated as the next Steve Jobs, founded Theranos with the promise of revolutionizing blood testing. She claimed the company’s technology could detect numerous diseases from just a few drops of blood. However, the technology never worked, and her claims were ultimately exposed as fraudulent.

Theranos attracted nearly $1 billion in investments from high-profile backers, including software magnate Larry Ellison, media mogul Rupert Murdoch, and the Walton family behind Walmart. The company also boasted a prestigious board featuring former U.S. secretaries of state Henry Kissinger and the late George Shultz, as well as former Defense Secretary James Mattis—who later testified against Holmes in court.

The deception unraveled in 2015 when The Wall Street Journal published a series of investigative reports, followed by a regulatory audit that revealed serious flaws in Theranos’ technology. The scandal led to the company’s collapse and became one of Silicon Valley’s most infamous fraud cases.

Legal Battle and Prison Sentences

Holmes, now 41 and a mother of two, began serving her 11-year sentence in May 2023 at a federal prison in Texas. Her projected release date is March 19, 2032. Balwani, 59, is serving a nearly 13-year sentence in California, with his release scheduled for 2033.

Both argued in their appeals that legal errors occurred during their separate 2022 trials. They claimed that certain testimony, including that of a former Theranos employee, was improperly allowed, while other key testimony was wrongly excluded.

However, Judge Jacqueline Nguyen rejected these arguments in a 54-page ruling, stating they failed to demonstrate any significant violations or errors by the lower court.

Public and Media Attention

Holmes’ dramatic downfall has been widely documented in books, an HBO documentary, and an award-winning TV series. The case remains one of Silicon Valley’s most shocking scandals, highlighting the dangers of unchecked ambition and deception in the tech industry.

Attorneys for Holmes and Balwani have not yet responded to requests for comment.

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Santa Ana, California — Ippei Mizuhara, the former interpreter for baseball superstar Shohei Ohtani, has been sentenced to four years and nine months in federal prison for bank and tax fraud after stealing nearly $17 million from the Los Angeles Dodgers player’s bank account.

A Stunning Betrayal

Mizuhara, entrusted with bridging the gap between the Japanese athlete and his English-speaking teammates, exploited Ohtani’s trust, siphoning millions to fund a reckless gambling addiction. On Thursday, a federal court in Santa Ana ordered him to pay $18 million in restitution—with nearly $17 million going to Ohtani and the rest to the IRS.

He was also sentenced to three years of supervised release and must surrender to authorities by March 24.

Judge: ‘The Magnitude of the Theft is Shockingly High’

U.S. District Judge John W. Holcomb condemned the scale of the crime.

“Seventeen million dollars—most people don’t make that much in a lifetime.”

While expressing hope that Mizuhara could repay the stolen money, Holcomb admitted, “That remains to be seen.”

Mizuhara’s Apology and Desperate Addiction

In a remorseful statement to the court, Mizuhara apologized to Ohtani, the Dodgers, the government, and his family.

“I am truly, deeply sorry for what I have done. I am prepared to be punished for it.”

Mizuhara admitted to using Ohtani’s money to cover mounting gambling debts, fund his lavish baseball card purchases (totaling $325,000), and even pay for his own dental bills.

Prosecutors: ‘He Lied, He Cheated, He Stole’

Acting U.S. Attorney Joseph T. McNally emphasized the gravity of Mizuhara’s deception, saying he took advantage of Ohtani’s vulnerability as a non-English speaker navigating the world of Major League Baseball.

“Mr. Mizuhara lied, he cheated, and he stole. His behavior was shameless.”

Prosecutors revealed that Mizuhara had manipulated Ohtani’s bank account starting in 2021, altering security protocols to impersonate the baseball star and authorize massive wire transfers.

By 2024, Mizuhara had:
Placed tens of millions of dollars in illegal bets—on international soccer, the NBA, the NFL, and college football. (Prosecutors confirmed he never bet on baseball.)
Spent $325,000 on baseball cards from online resellers.

Defense: Gambling Addiction and VIP Treatment

Mizuhara’s attorney, Michael Freedman, had requested a lighter sentence of just 18 months, arguing that Mizuhara’s gambling addiction was fueled by access to unlimited credit from an illegal bookmaker—a temptation worsened by his high-profile connection to Ohtani.

“He was exposed to a world where he was given unlimited credit to run up these kinds of numbers,” Freedman said.

However, federal prosecutor Jeff Mitchell countered that Mizuhara’s actions had inflicted lasting damage—not just financial but also reputational—on Ohtani.

“The most significant harm to Mr. Ohtani is the reputational damage, which may never be fully repaired.”

A Trusted Friend Turned Fraudster

Born in Japan, Mizuhara moved to California at age six, struggling with English before mastering the language. He later returned to Japan in 2013 to work as an interpreter for a Japanese baseball team, eventually becoming Ohtani’s close friend and confidant.

When Ohtani moved to the U.S. in 2018, Mizuhara followed, handling personal errands, grocery shopping, and acting as his right-hand man both on and off the field.

Mizuhara was by Ohtani’s side during his biggest career moments:
Serving as his catcher at the 2021 Home Run Derby
Witnessing his two American League MVP wins
Celebrating his record-breaking $700 million contract with the Dodgers

His loyalty even extended to quitting his job with the Los Angeles Angels during the 2021 MLB lockout—just so he could continue communicating with Ohtani.

A Scandal That Rocked Baseball

The case sent shockwaves through the sports world, engulfing Ohtani in controversy despite prosecutors confirming he was a victim. The scandal emerged from a broader investigation into illegal sports bookmaking operations in Southern California, with links to money laundering in Las Vegas casinos.

Ohtani, now with the Dodgers, remains one of baseball’s biggest stars. Last year, he helped lead the team to a World Series victory and claimed his third Most Valuable Player award.

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Vietnamese real estate mogul Truong My Lan, 68, has lost her appeal against the death sentence for orchestrating the largest bank fraud in history. However, under Vietnamese law, she can avoid execution if she repays 75% of the stolen funds.

In April, a trial court found Truong guilty of secretly controlling Saigon Commercial Bank (SCB), Vietnam’s fifth-largest lender, and siphoning off funds through a complex web of shell companies. Over a decade, she misappropriated $44 billion (£34.5 billion), of which $27 billion was taken illegally, and $12 billion was embezzled — the crime that led to her death sentence.

A Rare Verdict

Truong’s death sentence is an unprecedented verdict, especially for a woman convicted of a white-collar crime in Vietnam. On Tuesday, her appeal was rejected, with the court stating there were no grounds to reduce her sentence. However, she can still petition the president for amnesty or avoid execution if she repays $9 billion — three-quarters of the embezzled amount.

Humble Beginnings to a Dramatic Fall

Born into a Sino-Vietnamese family in Ho Chi Minh City, Truong began her career selling cosmetics with her mother at a market stall. She later invested in land and property following Vietnam’s 1986 economic reforms, amassing a substantial portfolio of hotels and restaurants by the 1990s.

At the time of her arrest, she was chairwoman of Van Thinh Phat Group, a prominent real estate firm. Her conviction was part of the “Blazing Furnaces” anti-corruption campaign led by then-Communist Party Secretary-General Nguyen Phu Trong.

The trial also implicated 85 others, with four receiving life sentences and the rest — including Truong’s husband and niece — given prison terms ranging from 20 years to suspended sentences.

Financial Fallout

The State Bank of Vietnam had to inject billions of dollars to stabilize SCB and prevent a banking crisis. Prosecutors described Truong’s crimes as “unprecedented” and argued they warranted no leniency.

A Desperate Race

Truong’s lawyers claim she is working tirelessly to raise the $9 billion required to save her life. However, liquidating her assets has proven challenging. Her holdings include luxury properties in Ho Chi Minh City and shares in other businesses, but the process of selling them has been hindered by legal restrictions and market conditions.

More than 1,000 assets linked to the fraud have been frozen by authorities. Truong has also reached out to friends to secure loans. Her legal team argued that a life sentence would enable her to negotiate better deals for her assets, but the judges remained unmoved.

A Grim Reality

Truong faces immense pressure as time runs out. While Vietnam does not disclose execution statistics, human rights organizations estimate over 1,000 people are on death row, making it one of the world’s top executioners. Delays in carrying out sentences are common, but prisoners typically receive little notice before their execution.

If Truong can recover the $9 billion in time, her sentence will likely be commuted to life imprisonment, sparing her life in exchange for partial restitution of the stolen funds.

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