When reality stars leave the camera lights behind, the world often watches to see whether they’ll fade quietly into everyday life—or continue grabbing headlines for the wrong reasons. For Memphis Garrett, a two-time contestant on the hit CBS show Big Brother, his post-TV fame has taken a troubling turn. Garrett, known off-screen as Robert Garrett, is now facing first-degree felony charges for allegedly failing to pay over $100,000 in state sales taxes tied to his Florida-based businesses.
The arrest was made by the Broward County Sheriff’s Office on May 15 at a Florida airport, marking a shocking twist in the life of a man once celebrated for his charisma and savvy social gameplay inside the Big Brother house.
But this time, there are no diary rooms—just cold legal documents, felony accusations, and a rapidly unraveling personal and professional life.
A Reality Star Turned Restauranteur
Robert “Memphis” Garrett became a household name after finishing as runner-up on Big Brother Season 10 back in 2008. He returned to the series more than a decade later, landing in fifth place during the All-Stars edition of Season 22 in 2020. But unlike many reality TV contestants who disappear into obscurity, Garrett tried to turn his moment in the spotlight into something more lasting.
After his time on television, Garrett ventured into the food and hospitality industry, where he launched Poke House Lauderdale, an LLC operating two popular Florida-based restaurants: The Poke House and No Man’s Land Miami.
With a growing reputation as a successful restaurateur, Garrett appeared to be living the post-reality dream. That is, until Florida state auditors began to look more closely at his financial dealings.
The Charges: Theft of State Funds
According to state documents and online arrest records, Garrett stands accused of failing to pay approximately $55,000 in sales taxes over a two-year period—from November 2022 through October 2024. The taxes in question stem from revenue generated by his restaurant ventures under the Poke House Lauderdale LLC.
Due to penalties and accumulated interest, the total liability reportedly exceeds $100,000, prompting the charge of theft of state funds—a first-degree felony under Florida law. If convicted, Garrett could face up to 30 years in prison, along with steep financial penalties and long-term damage to both his personal and professional reputation.
The timing of his arrest—at a Florida airport—has also raised speculation. Was Garrett attempting to leave the state? Was he unaware of an impending arrest warrant? Authorities have not clarified, but the fact that he was taken into custody in transit has only added to the intrigue surrounding the case.
The Financial Paper Trail
Garrett’s legal troubles center on his company’s failure to remit state-mandated sales taxes—funds that restaurant owners are required to collect on behalf of the government with each transaction. The Florida Department of Revenue routinely audits businesses suspected of discrepancies between reported income and actual tax remittances.
Sources familiar with the case claim that Garrett’s LLC collected sales taxes from customers but failed to forward those funds to the state, instead using them—allegedly—for other business or personal expenses.
While Garrett has yet to issue a public statement, the charges imply an extended pattern of non-payment, rather than a single missed deadline or clerical error.
“This is not a paperwork mistake,” said one state official, speaking anonymously. “This is deliberate tax evasion.”
Legal Fallout: Felony Charges Explained
In Florida, theft of state funds—especially when the amount exceeds $100,000—is considered a serious offense. The charge falls under Statute 812.014, which outlines varying degrees of theft depending on the monetary value involved.
A first-degree felony charge carries:
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A potential prison sentence of up to 30 years
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Fines of up to $10,000
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Probation, depending on the outcome of any plea deal or trial
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Mandatory restitution to the state for the owed taxes, penalties, and interest
As of now, Garrett remains in custody at the Broward County Jail, with a $15,000 bond reportedly still unpaid. This could signal ongoing financial distress or a strategic delay as legal counsel prepares a defense.
A Divorce and Domestic Turmoil
Garrett’s arrest is the latest development in what has already been a tumultuous year for the former TV star. Just over a year ago, in March 2024, Garrett’s now-estranged wife, Christmas Abbott—also a Big Brother alum—filed for divorce.
Their high-profile relationship, which began during the show’s 22nd season, captivated fans of the franchise. The pair later married and even shared glimpses of their life together on social media, projecting an image of unity and ambition. But behind closed doors, the story appears to have been more complex.
In the wake of the divorce filing, Abbott also petitioned for a restraining order, alleging domestic violence at the hands of her husband. Although she withdrew the request in May 2024, citing personal reasons and legal settlements, the claims cast a shadow over Garrett’s public persona.
Whether the ongoing legal battle influenced the tax investigation remains unclear, but legal experts suggest that the divorce proceedings could have led to greater scrutiny of Garrett’s financial records, potentially alerting authorities to the discrepancies in his business dealings.
What’s Next for Memphis Garrett?
As Garrett sits behind bars awaiting arraignment, several questions remain unanswered:
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Will he accept a plea bargain, or choose to fight the charges in court?
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Will state prosecutors seek maximum penalties as a public example?
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What will happen to his restaurant businesses, especially if he’s convicted and faces a long sentence?
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And most of all—will the once-popular reality star find redemption after this very real-life scandal?
What’s clear is that Garrett’s story is far from over. His rise from Big Brother runner-up to Florida restaurateur had the makings of a success story—but now reads more like a cautionary tale.
The legal troubles facing Memphis Garrett have reverberated far beyond his hometown of Fort Lauderdale. They’ve made headlines across entertainment news outlets, stirred online speculation among Big Brother fans, and raised broader questions about the responsibilities of reality TV personalities once the cameras stop rolling.
As Garrett remains in custody with a felony charge hanging over him, many are wondering—what does this mean for his career, his reputation, and the larger reality TV community that has so often blurred the lines between fame and accountability?
Fallout in the Reality TV Community
Memphis Garrett is far from the first reality television figure to encounter legal trouble. Over the past decade, a number of TV stars—from The Real Housewives to Survivor contestants—have faced lawsuits, criminal charges, and public controversies. However, Garrett’s case is particularly striking because of his dual identity as both a strategic Big Brother player and a real-world entrepreneur.
Fans of the show, who once rallied behind his sharp gameplay and “Memphis Mafia” alliance, are now voicing shock and disappointment online. Forums, fan pages, and Reddit threads have exploded with reactions ranging from concern to criticism.
Some users have expressed sympathy, especially in light of his personal turmoil following the public breakdown of his marriage. Others, however, have pointed to signs they say were always there—an aloof demeanor, a history of control issues in the Big Brother house, and business ventures that seemed “too perfect” for someone so newly out of the limelight.
“We watched him manipulate people in the house—maybe he thought he could manipulate the system too,” one Reddit commenter wrote bluntly.
The Bigger Issue: Fame, Pressure, and Poor Planning
Garrett’s case brings to light an issue that has plagued many post-reality stars: the lack of infrastructure and support for handling sudden fame and financial responsibility.
The reality TV industry often launches contestants into the public spotlight with little preparation for what comes next. While some capitalize responsibly—launching brands, building businesses, or investing wisely—others quickly get overwhelmed by the lifestyle, attention, or access to money they didn’t previously have.
In Garrett’s case, he went from TV exposure to running a multi-location restaurant operation. Though commendable, it’s a complex industry filled with regulatory compliance, staffing challenges, and tax responsibilities—many of which require legal and financial expertise that former contestants don’t always have.
Experts suggest that the transition from celebrity to business owner is fraught with risks, especially when the pressure to maintain public perception overshadows practical planning.
The Legal Road Ahead
Now charged with theft of state funds, Memphis Garrett faces a legal process that could drag on for months—or even years—depending on how he and his legal team choose to respond.
Possible Legal Scenarios:
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Plea Bargain
Garrett could accept a plea deal, especially if prosecutors offer reduced sentencing in exchange for full repayment and an admission of guilt. This would avoid a trial but still result in a permanent criminal record. -
Trial by Jury
If Garrett contests the charges, the case may go to trial. Given the high dollar amount and public attention, the prosecution may seek maximum penalties to set an example. -
Restitution and Probation
Some cases involving tax-related felonies have resulted in probation and restitution, particularly for first-time offenders. This would still involve strict monitoring and may require selling business assets to repay the state. -
Bankruptcy and Business Dissolution
If the case leads to financial collapse, Garrett could file for business or personal bankruptcy—though criminal charges will still apply separately from civil debts.
Business Consequences: What Happens to Poke House Lauderdale?
One of the more immediate consequences of Garrett’s arrest is the uncertain future of his restaurant businesses. The Poke House and No Man’s Land Miami were both under the umbrella of Poke House Lauderdale LLC, the very company implicated in the tax evasion charges.
As the legal case unfolds, the state could:
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Seize business assets to recover lost tax revenue.
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Freeze accounts or restrict Garrett’s access to LLC funds.
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Investigate employee payroll and other financial records for additional violations.
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Pursue revocation of business licenses, depending on compliance reviews.
Even if the businesses remain operational under new management or temporary leadership, their reputations have already suffered. In industries like food service—where trust, health compliance, and community reputation are key—any public scandal can lead to a steep decline in customers.
Public Perception: Can Memphis Recover?
Reputation, in the digital age, is everything. And for a public figure like Garrett, who once relied on charm and strategic finesse to win over millions of viewers, a criminal charge can be career-altering.
Still, the story isn’t necessarily over. The world of reality television has seen its fair share of comeback arcs. Some personalities have rehabilitated their public image through transparency, community service, or advocacy.
If Garrett chooses to own his mistakes publicly, express remorse, and make amends, he could potentially reframe his narrative. But that will depend on more than a well-worded apology—it will require legal accountability, financial restitution, and meaningful change.
“It’s not the end of the road unless he lets it be,” one former Big Brother contestant told an entertainment outlet. “People forgive. But you’ve got to show them you’ve learned something.”
A Reality Check for Aspiring Influencers
Garrett’s situation also serves as a cautionary tale for other reality stars and aspiring influencers. Whether you’re an overnight TikTok sensation or a reality TV finalist, fame alone doesn’t exempt you from the systems that govern everyone else.
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Taxes must be paid—on time and in full.
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Business practices must follow local, state, and federal laws.
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Public success demands private responsibility.
Too many rising stars fall into the trap of believing that brand deals, popularity, or audience size can protect them from consequences. But as Garrett’s arrest shows, even a six-figure Instagram following or a bustling restaurant franchise can unravel in an instant when foundational responsibilities are ignored.
Final Thoughts: More Than Just a Tabloid Story
It’s easy to reduce Memphis Garrett’s story to tabloid fodder: another celebrity who couldn’t stay out of trouble. But beneath the headlines lies a deeper story about pressure, image, ambition—and the very real consequences of letting those things outrun preparation and accountability.
As fans, critics, and former housemates wait to see how this plays out, one thing is certain: the Memphis Garrett of 2025 is no longer the strategic game player sitting in the Big Brother house. He’s a man facing one of the biggest tests of his life—and it won’t be determined by alliances, competitions, or jury votes.
It’ll be determined in a courtroom.
