Memphis Garrett, renowned for his stint on Big Brother and his ventures in the restaurant industry, faces serious legal troubles following his arrest on Thursday, May 15, 2025. The 42-year-old entrepreneur has been charged with first-degree felony theft for allegedly failing to remit over $50,000 in sales taxes collected from his business operations between November 2022 and October 2024.
Broward County officials claim that Garrett withheld a total of $55,366.77 in sales taxes under his LLC, Poke House Lauderdale. He currently remains in custody at a jail in Fort Lauderdale, where bail has been set at $15,000, as per recent court filings analyzed by Us Weekly.
The Rise and Setbacks of Memphis Garrett
Memphis Garrett gained recognition when he finished as the runner-up on Big Brother 10 in 2008 and later returned for the Big Brother: All-Stars season in 2020. Beyond reality television, he has established a reputation as a successful entrepreneur, reportedly managing nearly 40 restaurants and nightclubs throughout Florida, according to information displayed on his website.
Garrett’s legal issues coincide with personal challenges, including his divorce from fellow reality star Christmas Abbott, which was filed in March 2024 just two years after their marriage in May 2022.
Reflecting on their relationship during an interview with E! News at the time of their marriage, Garrett expressed:
“When you find something like that, you don’t ever want to let that go. She is my forever girl.”
However, during the divorce proceedings, he revealed to Us Weekly:
“I did not want to have to file for divorce. I was doing everything in my power to work on our marriage.”
Following the split, Abbott requested privacy, describing the situation as “unfortunate”and stressing the importance of focusing on her family. Garrett’s unfolding legal and personal challenges are gaining substantial media attention, with scrutiny on his business dealings intensifying.
Understanding the Legal Charges Against Garrett
The allegations against Memphis Garrett revolve around his failure to properly submit sales taxes collected from customers at his ventures, amounting to $55,366.77 over a duration of two years. Under Florida law, such cases of felony theft related to state funds can result in significant legal consequences, including substantial prison time.
While his LLC, Poke House Lauderdale, is at the center of this accusation, it remains unclear if other enterprises associated with Garrett are also being scrutinized. As of now, his attorney has not made any public statements regarding the case.
Garrett’s financial difficulties appear to have compounded during his divorce from Abbott, which he described in an interview with Us Weekly as emotionally draining:
“I only wish the very best in life for her and Loyal [Christmas Abbott’s son].”
In a similar vein, Abbott has emphasized the importance of addressing personal matters in private, requesting space to focus on her family amidst the upheaval:
“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.”
The trajectory of Garrett’s career takes on added significance in light of these developments. Since his initial appearance on Big Brother, he leveraged his notoriety to create an extensive hospitality brand, which includes a sports theater and various poke bowl eateries.
As his court proceedings approach, the outcome will have a considerable impact on the future of his entrepreneurial endeavors. Currently, Memphis Garrett remains in custody, awaiting his next court date.