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.