RUTHERFORD COUNTY, Tenn. (Scripps News Nashville) — Kyle Chrisley, son of Todd and Julie Chrisley, best known for their family reality show ‘Chrisley Knows Best,’ is suing Rutherford County and two deputies for nearly $2 million.
Kyle’s parents were recently pardoned by President Trump after being convicted for bank fraud and tax evasion.
This March 14, 2023 booking photo provided by Smyrna Police Department shows Kyle Chrisley. (Smyrna Police Department)
Kyle is claiming he’s been unfairly targeted because of his family name and for a crime he says he did not commit. He’s suing in federal court even as his own criminal case is pending.
“It was very scary and I have a wife and two kids to think about,” said Kyle.
Despite leaving his family’s show, Kyle has said he remains close to his family. “I get along with everybody, but do my own thing,” he said.
Kyle said he still gets recognized, and he and his attorney, Wesley Clark, think that is at the heart of his recent legal trouble.
“We believe this is because of who Kyle Chrisley is…someone recognized him and decided they are going to treat him differently because of who he is,” said Clark.
Last September, Kyle had a business dispute with a man who came to his Rutherford County home.
In a Ring camera video from a neighbor, Kyle’s wife can be heard screaming and calling 911 to report that the man was damaging their personal belongings.
Clark said the man smashed into their car, did donuts in their yard and later sped off.
Deputies arrived and spoke to the man, who claimed Kyle attacked him with a knife, something Kyle denies.
At a preliminary hearing, witnesses testified they never saw a knife. Still, Kyle was arrested and later indicted for aggravated assault.
“They turned a blind eye, and they go after Kyle Chrisley,” said Clark.
Clark called the charge absurd and filed a $1.7M lawsuit naming Rutherford County and two sheriff’s deputies for violating his client’s constitutional rights.
Scripps News Nashville asked Kyle if he expects the same presidential treatment his parents received if convicted in his criminal case. “I don’t think I’m going to need it,” said Kyle.
The Rutherford County sheriff could not comment on the case since the lawsuit was just filed, and they don’t typically talk about pending litigation.
This story was originally published by Scripps News Nashville, an E.W. Scripps Company.
