ATLANTA – Peter Thomas, the restaurateur and ex-husband of “Real Housewives of Atlanta” star Cynthia Bailey, has been released from federal prison after serving part of his sentence for tax evasion.

Thomas, 64, was freed on Friday and transitioned into community confinement in Miami, according to recent reports.

Peter Thomas Freed from Federal Prison After Tax Evasion Sentence

Thomas began his 18-month sentence at the Federal Correctional Institution in Miami on August 1, 2025, following a guilty plea in U.S. District Court in Charlotte, North Carolina.

The charges stemmed from his failure to pay over trust fund taxes, a federal offense under 26 U.S.C. § 7202.

Prosecutors accused Thomas of withholding employment taxes from his employees’ paychecks at several of his businesses but failing to remit those funds to the IRS over a period of years.

As part of his sentence, he was ordered to pay $2.5 million in restitution to the IRS and will serve two years of supervised release upon completion of his term.

The former reality TV personality, who appeared on multiple seasons of Bravo’s “The Real Housewives of Atlanta” alongside Bailey from 2010 to 2017, has ties to the Atlanta area through his time on the show and previous business ventures.

Thomas owned several nightlife spots, including Bar One in Baltimore, which faced scrutiny during his legal troubles.

His marriage to Bailey, a model and actress, was a central storyline on the series until their divorce in 2017.

Upon release, Thomas is subject to several conditions during his supervised probation, including participation in a substance abuse testing program and restrictions on excessive alcohol consumption.

Details of his community confinement in Miami indicate he will remain under federal oversight while reintegrating into society.

Thomas has not yet issued a public statement regarding his release, but prior to beginning his sentence, he addressed fans on social media, expressing optimism about the future. 6 Fans of “The Real Housewives of Atlanta” have followed his legal saga closely, with many expressing support online.

This case highlights ongoing issues with tax compliance in the entertainment and hospitality industries.

The IRS has emphasized the importance of remitting trust fund taxes, which are withheld from employees for Social Security, Medicare, and income taxes.

For more updates on local celebrities and legal news, stay tuned to Atlanta News.