“Memphis Garrett, from ‘Big Brother’, arrested for reportedly stealing $55,000 in taxes”

As “Big Brother” host Julie Chen says … always expect the unexpected.

News emerged on May 16 that Memphis Garrett, a former contestant on seasons 10 and 22 of a popular show, was taken into custody in Florida for allegedly defrauding the state out of a significant sum of money.

TMZ reported that officials from the Broward Sheriff’s office substantiated Garrett’s arrest on May 15 following a warrant issued by the Department of Revenue.

Garrett, known for finishing as the runner-up in the 2008 edition of the show, is facing allegations of failing to pay over $50,000 in taxes owed to Florida stemming from his various business ventures.

As of Friday, May 16, the 42-year-old reportedly remains behind bars, with his bond set at $15,000.

Garrett, who later returned to “Big Brother” for its all-star edition in 2020, faces a second-degree felony for theft of state funds.

Florida is accusing the restaurateur of collecting $55,366.77 worth of sales taxes between November 2022 and October 2024 through his Poke House Lauderdale and No Man’s Land Miami LLCs and failing to pay the taxes to the state.

And if that wasn’t enough, Garrett’s name has already been in the headlines since 2024 when he filed for divorce from his “Big Brother 22” co-star, Christmas Abbott.

In the divorce filing, obtained by TMZ, the reason for the split was cited as “irreconcilable differences,” and it was argued that Abbott should not be awarded alimony.

“It is unfortunate that the actions and intentions of individuals involved in this situation have led to the exposure of personal and sensitive information,” Abbott told the publication at the time of the divorce announcement.

“I believe that matters of this nature should be resolved in a private and respectful manner,” she added. “I ask for privacy at this time to focus on my family.”

Garrett also commented, telling “BB” fans he was shaken by their relationship’s end.

“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,” he said.

Their conflict outside the “Big Brother” house wasn’t entirely shocking to fans, though, considering their dynamic on “All Stars” also included controversial interactions and accusations of insensitivity toward other houseguests, specifically Da’Vonne Rogers and David Alexander.

Although Garrett’s legal situation is likely the last thing the reality star wants to go through right now, he’s not the only “BB” facing legal woes.

In early 2025, Mike “Boogie” Malin was also arrested after allegedly shoplifting from multiple CVS stores in the San Fernando Valley region of Los Angeles.

According to a report from PEOPLE, the “BB 2” star was caught by an employee at the first CVS and returned the item after being confronted. He later fled in his vehicle and headed to a different location.

Burbank police officers told the publication that when they first searched the area for Malin, they found his car running with nobody inside. However, he was detained shortly after returning to his vehicle.