A Missouri woman has been arrested for allegedly orchestrating a multimillion-dollar fraud scheme targeting the heirs of Elvis Presley.
According to Fox News, Lisa Jeanine Findley, 53, was charged with mail fraud and aggravated identity theft in connection with a plot that nearly led to the foreclosure of Graceland, Presley's iconic Memphis mansion.
The arrest, which took place on August 16, 2024 - the 47th anniversary of Elvis Presley's death - came after federal authorities uncovered an elaborate scheme involving forged documents and false claims. Findley allegedly posed as multiple individuals connected to a fictitious lending company in an attempt to defraud the Presley family out of millions of dollars.
According to the U.S. Department of Justice, Findley created a fake private lending company called Naussany Investments & Private Lending LLC. Using this fabricated entity, she claimed that Lisa Marie Presley, Elvis's deceased daughter, had taken out a $3.8 million loan and used Graceland as collateral.
To lend credibility to her scheme, Findley allegedly forged documents bearing Lisa Marie's signature and that of a Florida State notary employee. The fraudulent paperwork was used to initiate foreclosure proceedings on Graceland, putting the historic property at risk of being sold.
The scheme began to unravel when Riley Keough, Elvis's granddaughter, came forward asserting that the loan documents were fake. Keough's attorney filed a complaint, alleging that the purported notary had not actually notarized Lisa Marie's signature.
Upon discovering the fraudulent nature of the foreclosure attempt, federal authorities launched an investigation. The U.S. Postal Inspection Service played a key role in uncovering the details of Findley's alleged plot.
Principal Deputy Assistant Attorney General Nicole M. Argentieri provided a statement on the case:
As alleged in the complaint, the defendant orchestrated a scheme to conduct a fraudulent sale of Graceland, falsely claiming that Elvis Presley's daughter had pledged the historic landmark as collateral for a loan that she failed to repay before her death. As part of the brazen scheme, we allege that the defendant created numerous false documents and sought to extort a settlement from the Presley family.
If convicted, Findley faces serious legal consequences. The charges against her include a mandatory minimum of two years for aggravated identity theft and a maximum of 20 years in prison for mail fraud.
The case highlights the ongoing risks faced by high-profile families and estates. Inspector in Charge Eric Shen of the U.S. Postal Inspection Service Criminal Investigations Group commented on the nature of such crimes:
Fame and money are magnets for criminals who look to capitalize on another person's celebrity status. In this case, Ms. Findley allegedly took advantage of the very public and tragic occurrences in the Presley family as an opportunity to prey on the name and financial status of the heirs to the Graceland estate, attempting to steal what rightfully belongs to the Presley family for her personal gain.
The legal proceedings against Findley are expected to continue as authorities work to ensure justice for the Presley family and protect the integrity of Elvis's legacy.
This case sheds light on the vulnerabilities faced by celebrity estates and the importance of robust legal protections. The Presley family's quick action in challenging the fraudulent documents played a crucial role in exposing the scheme. The incident also underscores the need for vigilance in verifying the authenticity of financial transactions and legal documents, especially those involving high-value properties like Graceland.
In conclusion, federal authorities have arrested Lisa Jeanine Findley for allegedly orchestrating a multimillion-dollar fraud scheme targeting Elvis Presley's heirs. The plot involved forged documents claiming a $3.8 million loan against Graceland, nearly resulting in the property's foreclosure. Findley faces charges of mail fraud and aggravated identity theft, with potential prison sentences if convicted. The case highlights the vulnerabilities of celebrity estates and the importance of vigilance in protecting high-profile properties.
