Executive Summary

Robert “Memphis” Garrett, a prominent figure from CBS’s reality television series Big Brother, has been arrested and charged with first-degree felony theft of state funds in Florida. The charges stem from allegations that Garrett failed to remit over $100,000 in state sales taxes through his restaurant business operations. This development represents a significant fall from grace for the former television personality who had successfully transitioned from reality TV fame to entrepreneurship in the hospitality industry.

Background: From Television Fame to Business Ventures

Reality Television Career

Memphis Garrett first gained national recognition as a contestant on Big Brother Season 10 in 2008, where his strategic gameplay and charismatic personality earned him a runner-up position. His television career experienced a resurgence over a decade later when he participated in Big Brother Season 22’s All-Stars edition in 2020, ultimately finishing in fifth place. These appearances established Garrett as a memorable figure within the reality television landscape and provided him with a platform for future endeavors.

Unlike many reality television participants who struggle to maintain relevance after their initial fame, Garrett leveraged his public recognition to pursue legitimate business opportunities. His transition from entertainment to entrepreneurship initially appeared successful, demonstrating how reality television personalities could build sustainable careers beyond their television appearances.

Business Development and Restaurant Operations

Following his television career, Garrett entered the competitive restaurant and hospitality sector, establishing Poke House Lauderdale LLC. This business entity operated two dining establishments in Florida: The Poke House and No Man’s Land Miami. These restaurants specialized in contemporary cuisine and quickly gained popularity within their respective markets.

Garrett’s business ventures represented a significant investment in Florida’s thriving restaurant industry. The establishments appeared to be performing well financially, with steady customer traffic and positive community reception. His success as a restaurateur seemed to validate his decision to pursue entrepreneurship following his reality television career.

The restaurant business, however, comes with complex regulatory requirements and financial obligations that many new business owners find challenging to navigate. These responsibilities include proper tax collection and remittance, employment law compliance, health department regulations, and various licensing requirements that demand careful attention to detail and consistent administrative oversight.

The Criminal Charges: Detailed Analysis

Nature of the Allegations

The charges against Garrett center on allegations of systematically failing to remit state sales taxes collected from customers at his restaurant establishments. According to official documentation from the Florida Department of Revenue and arrest records from the Broward County Sheriff’s Office, Garrett allegedly retained approximately $55,000 in state sales taxes that should have been forwarded to government authorities.

The alleged violations occurred over a twenty-four-month period, spanning from November 2022 through October 2024. This extended timeframe suggests a pattern of non-compliance rather than isolated oversights or administrative errors. When penalties and accumulated interest are included, the total financial liability reportedly exceeds $100,000, elevating the charges to first-degree felony status under Florida state law.

Legal Framework and Potential Consequences

Under Florida Statute 812.014, theft of state funds involving amounts exceeding $100,000 constitutes a first-degree felony. This classification carries severe potential penalties that could fundamentally alter Garrett’s future prospects. The statutory framework provides for:

Prison Sentencing: Conviction could result in imprisonment for up to thirty years, representing a significant portion of an individual’s productive life. The actual sentence would depend on various factors including criminal history, cooperation with authorities, and mitigating circumstances presented during legal proceedings.

Financial Penalties: Beyond restitution of the allegedly stolen funds, convicted individuals face fines up to $10,000. These penalties are separate from and in addition to the requirement to repay all outstanding taxes, penalties, and accumulated interest.

Probationary Supervision: Depending on plea negotiations or judicial decisions, alternatives to incarceration might include extended probationary periods with strict supervision and compliance requirements.

Restitution Requirements: Full repayment of all outstanding obligations to the state would be mandatory, regardless of other penalties imposed.

Circumstances of Arrest

Garrett’s arrest occurred on May 15 at a Florida airport, circumstances that have generated additional speculation about his intentions and awareness of the pending charges. Law enforcement authorities have not publicly clarified whether Garrett was attempting to leave the state or was simply traveling for legitimate business or personal reasons when apprehended.

The airport arrest adds a dramatic element to the case and could influence public perception of Garrett’s culpability. Travel-related arrests often generate speculation about flight risk and consciousness of guilt, though such circumstances do not constitute evidence of wrongdoing in legal proceedings.

Personal Life Complications and Divorce Proceedings

Marriage and Relationship History

Garrett’s legal troubles occur against the backdrop of significant personal turmoil, including the dissolution of his marriage to Christmas Abbott, another Big Brother alumna. Their relationship began during their shared participation in Big Brother Season 22 and initially appeared to represent a successful romantic connection fostered by their reality television experience.

The couple’s relationship was highly publicized within the Big Brother fan community, and their marriage was viewed as a positive outcome from their television participation. Social media presentations of their life together projected an image of professional success and personal happiness that contrasted sharply with subsequent developments.

Domestic Relations Legal Issues

In March 2024, Abbott initiated divorce proceedings, marking the beginning of what would become a complex and contentious legal battle. Beyond the typical financial and custody issues associated with divorce, the case included allegations of domestic violence that Abbott initially pursued through restraining order petitions.

Although Abbott subsequently withdrew her domestic violence allegations in May 2024, citing personal reasons and private legal settlements, these accusations contributed to a pattern of legal and personal difficulties surrounding Garrett. The domestic relations proceedings may have also prompted increased scrutiny of Garrett’s financial affairs, potentially contributing to the discovery of the tax compliance issues that form the basis of the current criminal charges.

Impact on Financial Scrutiny