Before Savannah Chrisley’s Engagement, Jason Galanis’ Ex-Wife Begged a Federal Judge for Leniency Using an Injured Hawk Story—Then Divorced Him Weeks Later

Years before reality television star Savannah Chrisley announced her engagement and pregnancy, the ex-wife of convicted fraudster Jason Galanis tried to keep him out of prison by portraying him as a compassionate animal rescuer. Newly revealed court records show that his former spouse, Monet Berger, submitted an emotional plea to a federal judge describing how Galanis once saved an injured hawk, only to file for divorce just one month later while declaring herself a victim of his financial crimes.

The unsealed July 2017 sentencing memorandum offers a startling look into the turbulent personal history of the 56-year-old businessman now set to join the Chrisley family. Berger, who had been his partner for two decades, attempted to salvage his reputation in Manhattan federal court before their marriage abruptly disintegrated.

Savannah Chrisley and Jason Galanis pose for a photo on a yacht deck.

Monet Berger indoors in a 2024 portrait.

The Hawk Rescue Letter: Pleading for Mercy in Federal Court

Facing serious federal charges in New York, Galanis leaned heavily on character references to mitigate his impending prison sentence. Berger took center stage, urging the Manhattan federal judge overseeing his fraud trial to recognize a gentler side of the disgraced financier.

“A few years ago, we were driving home from dinner, and he saw a hawk on the side of the road. When we got home, he insisted on going back to see if it was injured.”

According to Berger, Galanis gently transferred the wounded bird into their vehicle, created a makeshift blanket nest inside their home, and drove 90 minutes through the night to reach an open wildlife clinic. She stated that he continued to check on the animal’s rehabilitation daily and made a personal donation to support the care facility.

Berger further told the court that Jason Galanis possessed an unmatched devotion to living creatures, writing that he had a “love of animals like no other.” Beyond the wildlife rescue, she detailed his everyday acts of support during her own medical struggles, characterizing him as a protective partner who routinely assisted strangers in distress.

Monet Berger and Jason Galanis seated together at a table in December 2013.

Monet Berger standing on an outdoor deck in February 2024.

Blaming the Patriarch: The Defense’s Argument for Leniency

Berger did not restrict her testimony to animal welfare. She mirrored the overarching defense strategy put forward by Galanis and his legal team, arguing that his actions were the byproduct of an overpowering, manipulative family dynamic orchestrated by his father, John Galanis.

The elder Galanis, a career criminal who was serving time in federal prison for financial schemes during Jason’s youth, cast an inescapable shadow over his sons. Berger claimed that Jason was forced to leave college early to act as a financial and emotional caretaker for his mother and younger siblings.

Monet Berger in June 2021.

Jason Galanis testifying while in federal custody.

A Tangled Father-Son Scheme

In her unsealed letter, Berger asserted that John wielded a dangerous psychological grip over his eldest son, effectively blinding Jason from separating legitimate commerce from criminal fraud:

• The Psychological Hold: Berger told the court John seemed to hold an unyielding “spell” over Jason, leaving him unable to resist his father’s influence.
• Human Shields: She stated that John exploited his four sons throughout their lives, using them as barriers against legal fallout.
• Lost Potential: Berger pointed to Galanis’ years of charitable work with Operation Gratitude, an organization assisting military personnel, first responders, and their families, as proof of his true values.

“Jason has made mistakes, and he knows that… I am begging you to please consider the mental hardships he was under due to this unhealthy relationship his father imposed on him.”

Jason Galanis during a news broadcast interview.

Jason Galanis photographed in a light blue collared shirt.

The Swift Pivot: From Courtroom Support to Divorce Filing

While the character letter presented an image of unbreakable solidarity, the reality behind closed doors told a vastly different story. Exactly one month after petitioning the court for leniency, Berger filed for divorce on grounds of irreconcilable differences, establishing their legal date of separation as May 23, 2016.

The divorce filings exposed severe fractures in their relationship. Berger revealed she was completely in the dark regarding Galanis’ failure to properly pay his taxes, alleging that he forged her signature across multiple tax filings and ultimately naming herself as another casualty of his deceptive schemes. The divorce was officially finalized in April 2018.

Felony Convictions and the Chrisley Connection

Despite the appeals for leniency, Galanis could not escape the federal hammer. In September 2020, he received a sentence of 189 months in federal prison after pleading guilty to seven felony counts involving securities fraud, investment adviser fraud, and conspiracy charges. His father, John, was convicted as a co-defendant.

A widespread assumption among followers of reality TV is that Savannah Chrisley crossed paths with Galanis after his release. In reality, Galanis shared an incarceration facility with Savannah’s father, Todd Chrisley, who served time for bank fraud and tax evasion.

Savannah Chrisley celebrating her pregnancy announcement.

Pregnancy announcement celebration items including ultrasound photos.

Their trajectories intertwined further through federal clemency. In March 2025, President Donald Trump commuted the sentence of Jason Galanis. Two months later, in May 2025, Trump issued full pardons to both Todd and Julie Chrisley.

Savannah, 29, confirmed on her podcast that she met Galanis through political circles and dated for nearly two years before he proposed during a December 2025 trip to the Cayman Islands. Now residing in her $2.2 million Nashville residence, the couple is expecting their first child, even as public scrutiny over Galanis’ past continues to linger.

💬 The contrast between heartfelt character letters and legal reality highlights just how complex federal fraud cases can become.

✨ As Savannah Chrisley prepares for marriage and motherhood, her fiancé’s unsealed history remains a major topic of discussion.

👇 What do you think of this resurfaced court revelation? Share your take in the comments below!