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.Watch more.
