Is Todd Chrisley OK? Savannah Chrisley reveals dad's plan to switch prisons over safety concerns
ESCAMBIA COUNTY, FLORIDA: 'Chrisley Knows Best' star Savannah Chrisley claims that conditions for her detained father, Todd Chrisley, have deteriorated to the point that he may be moved to a state prison "because our federal institutions cannot guarantee his safety."
The 'Unlocked' podcast host told Brian Entin on NewsNation's current edition of Cuomo that things have only gotten worse for her father since he came out about the circumstances at the Federal Prison Camp in Pensacola, Florida.
(Instagram/@toddchrisley)
"The retaliation is real," she confirmed to NewsNation.
"It is heartbreaking for me to watch as his daughter, but they have even gone to the extent of stating that they will try to ship him to a state facility because our federal institutions cannot guarantee his safety."
In a conversation with Brian last month, Todd discussed the reported conditions at the correctional institution, highlighting accusations of extortion, kitchens infested with rats, and expired food, and allegations of detainees being subjected to starvation leading to death.
Savannah told Brian that since her father came out, "individuals who work in that facility" have contacted her to provide her with information, "which should scare the warden and the [Bureau of Prisons]."
“The BoP has called me a liar numerous times, but I have all the information to back it up,” she stated.
“And these letters, I mean, I even have recordings of them speaking about shipping my father… but they have to have a good reason to [do so]. They have to find something he’s in violation of.”
Savannah stated that in order to discover a violation, "They’re going to the extent of planting cell phones, drugs, going through his lockers so that they can send him to a facility and truly behind bars."
While the Bureau of Prisons has not directly responded to the specific allegations made by the Chrisleys, various media sources have reported that the Bureau stated it "operates facilities that are safe, secure, and humane."
The Bureau emphasized that ensuring humane treatment for individuals in their custody is a primary concern.
(Instagram/@toddchrisley)
Savannah Chrisley feels 'waves of anxiety, grief and happiness' before meeting imprisoned parents
Savannah goes through a range of emotions during the long trip to see her parents, Todd and Julie Chrisley, who are both in jail.
The 'Chrisley Knows Best' star admitted to feeling anxious when it was time to face her parents.
"The night before I go to visit my parents, I get really anxious... can't sleep... can't sit still...and my mind just won't shut off," she said over an Instagram Story snapshot of herself in bed.
"Waves of anxiety, grief, sadness, happiness, etc."
Savannah said that her heightened emotions are exacerbated by rising up as early as 3 am to "get ready and start driving" to see Todd at the Pensacola Federal Prison Camp in Florida or Julie at the Federal Medical Center, Lexington Kentucky.
Her mental condition was defined as "feelings that only a loved one of someone who is incarcerated will understand."
Why are 'Chrisley Knows Best' stars Todd and Julie Chrisley in prison?
Todd and Julie were found guilty in June 2022 of tax evasion and defrauding community banks of more than $30 million in bogus loans. Julie was also found guilty of obstruction of justice and wire fraud.
(Instagram/@toddchrisley)
Will 'Chrisley Knows Best' stars Todd and Julie Chrisley be released from prison early?
The Federal Bureau of Prisons confirmed on September 8 that the Chrisleys' jail terms had been lowered. Todd will be freed two years earlier than his initial sentence, on January 22, 2033.
Julie's sentence has been reduced by 14 months, and she will be freed on October 19, 2028.
How did 'Chrisley Knows Best' stars Todd and Julie Chrisley spend their holidays?
The Chrisleys' holidays were particularly unusual this year because Todd and Julie are still in prison awaiting their appeal hearing, which has now been moved back to April 2024.
It's a setback for the pair, who are eager to get released as quickly as possible.
According to the couple's attorney, Jay Surgent, the 'Chrisley Knows Best' stars' appeal hearing has been rescheduled for the week of April 15, 2024, from March 2024 in Atlanta.
"Todd isn't happy, but he's content with the oral argument," Jay told RadarOnline.com on December 15. The family is also "hoping and believing" that the court will give "full consideration" and overturn the verdicts, according to the website.
Jay informed RadarOnline that the children, which included Savannah and Chase Chrisley, intended to visit Todd and Julie in their respective prisons around the holidays. "[The kids] are looking forward to getting together for the holidays… even if it's at an institution," he said.
"They are sad about that, but truly have faith they are coming home."