Former Big Brother Contestant Memphis Garrett Arrested for Alleged Sales Tax Theft in Florida
Robert “Memphis” Garrett, a former finalist on the popular reality TV series Big Brother, was arrested earlier this month in Florida on allegations of failing to pay over $100,000 in state sales taxes connected to his restaurant businesses. The 41-year-old restaurateur was taken into custody by the Broward County Sheriff’s Office at a Florida airport on May 15.
Garrett, who rose to fame during season 10 of Big Brother—finishing as the runner-up—and later returned for the all-stars edition in season 22, has since built a career in the hospitality industry. He is the founder of several food and beverage establishments in South Florida.
According to documents released by the Florida Department of Revenue, Garrett is facing a first-degree felony charge for theft of state funds. The state alleges that between November 2022 and October 2024, Garrett failed to remit at least $55,000 in collected sales tax through his business entity, Poke House Lauderdale LLC. The company operates two venues: The Poke House and No Man’s Land Miami LLC, both of which are located in the Fort Lauderdale area.
Authorities claim that the amount owed in taxes surpasses $100,000 when penalties and interest are included, although the exact total remains under review. Under Florida law, collecting sales tax from customers and failing to remit it to the state is considered a serious offense and can lead to substantial legal consequences.
Garrett’s arrest follows a series of personal and legal challenges. In March 2024, his wife and fellow Big Brother alum, Christmas Abbott, filed for divorce. Court filings during the separation included a request for a temporary restraining order based on allegations of domestic abuse. However, Abbott voluntarily withdrew the request in May 2024. The couple, who married in 2021 and have one child together, have not publicly commented on the current state of their divorce proceedings.
As of now, Garrett remains in custody at the Broward County jail. His bond has been set at $15,000, and online records show it has not yet been posted. No official court date has been scheduled, but legal experts suggest that given the nature of the charges, the case could proceed to a preliminary hearing in the coming weeks.
The Florida Department of Revenue has not issued a public statement on the matter but emphasized that it continues to investigate businesses suspected of failing to comply with tax laws. If convicted, Garrett could face significant penalties, including restitution payments, fines, and possible prison time.
Garrett has not made a public statement regarding the charges. His representatives have not responded to media inquiries.