Big Brother star arrested for allegedly embezzling over $100K in state taxes

By ASHLEIGH GRAY FOR DAILYMAIL.COM

Published: 03:36 BST, 17 May 2025 | Updated: 03:36 BST, 17 May 2025

Memphis Garrett of Big Brother fame has been arrested on suspicion of embezzling over $100,000 in Florida state taxes.

Memphis, real name Robert, was taken into custody on Thursday, the Broward Sheriff’s Office confirmed to People.

After the Department of Revenue issued a warrant for the 42-year-old reality television star — who was previously involved in a brawl — he was arrested at a Florida airport.

His online arrest record alleges that he failed to pay more than $100,000 in sales tax, and he is charged with a first-degree felony for theft of state funds.

As of Friday, Garrett’s $15,000 bond is pending, meaning he is still behind bars.

A probable cause affidavit reviewed by People states Robert is accused of failing to pay $55,366.77 in sales taxes from his LLC Poke House Lauderdale between November 2022 and October 2024.

Memphis Garrett, 42, of Big Brother fame has been arrested on suspicion of embezzling over $100,000 in Florida state taxes; pictured in his mug shot

Memphis, real name Robert, was taken into custody on Thursday, the Broward Sheriff’s Office confirmed to People; pictured on Big Brother season 10 in 2008

There are two businesses under the LLC — The Poke House and No Man’s Land Miami LLC — according to TMZ, who first reported Garrett’s arrest.

His legal troubles come more than one year after his marriage to Big Brother co-star Christmas Abbott ended in March 2024 when he filed for divorce.

The exes were just two months short of their two-year wedding anniversary, having tied the knot in May 2022.

TMZ reported last year that the restaurateur cited ‘irreconcilable differences’ as the reason for the marriage’s demise.

It reportedly followed a domestic violence incident listed as a related case to the divorce filing.

Abbott told the outlet amid the split, ‘It is unfortunate that the actions and intentions of individuals involved in this situation have led to the exposure of personal and sensitive information.

‘I believe that matters of this nature should be resolved in a private and respectful manner. I ask for privacy at this time to focus on my family.’

Garrett returned to the popular reality show in 2020 for its 20th anniversary season

Memphis married Big Brother co-star Christmas Abbott in May 2022, but they divorced two years later

In 2023 they were involved in a brawl after being physically attacked outside the bar they own in Florida

The CBS star is in a new relationship with a blonde named Shannon Mattes, as evidenced in recent Instagram photos

Meanwhile, Memphis expressed, ‘My heart hurts. I did not want to have to file for divorce. I was doing everything in my power to work on our marriage. I only wish the very best in life for her and [her son] Loyal.’ 

Abbott requested a restraining order against her ex but then voluntarily dismissed it in May 2024.

Now the CBS star is in a new relationship with a blonde named Shannon Mattes, as evidenced in recent Instagram photos 

Garrett rose to fame as runner-up on Big Brother 10. He reappeared on the series in 2020 for its 20th anniversary season, Big Brother: All-Stars.

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Big Brother star arrested for allegedly embezzling over $100K in state taxes

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