A Missouri woman has been arrested in a complex fraud scheme targeting Elvis Presley's iconic home, Graceland.
The Department of Justice charged Lisa Jeanine Findley for trying to falsely claim Graceland as collateral on a multimillion-dollar loan, Breitbart reported.
Lisa Jeanine Findley, the accused, reportedly crafted a fictitious lending company named Naussany Investments & Private Lending LLC. She is charged with mail fraud and aggravated identity theft for her actions.
According to the Department of Justice, Findley impersonated several identities linked to the bogus company. She asserted that Lisa Marie Presley, Elvis's daughter, secured a $3.8 million loan using Graceland as collateral.
Findley's accusations included that Lisa Marie Presley had defaulted on the loan before her death, leading to fraudulent attempts to sell Graceland. The DOJ outlined a series of false documents Findley used in her attempt, including forged signatures.
These documents encompassed a fraudulent creditor’s claim and a deed of trust. Also, she published a fictitious foreclosure notice, misleadingly indicating that an auction of Graceland was forthcoming.
Principal Deputy Assistant Attorney General Nicole Argentieri detailed the allegations against Findley. To further her scheme, Findley allegedly fabricated several documents and impersonated various individuals to leverage the famous property illicitly.
According to court documents, Findley demanded $2.85 million from Elvis Presley's family to settle the falsified claim. This act was part of an elaborate ruse to control the property fraudulently.
U.S. Attorney Kevin G. Ritz emphasized the importance of Graceland, not just as a family heritage but as a national treasure. He expressed his commitment to vigorously prosecuting financial crimes that threaten such significant landmarks.
This event draws attention due to the status of Graceland as a beloved national landmark purchased by Elvis Presley back in 1957. The estate has since been a pilgrimage site for millions of fans worldwide, further elevating the severity of the alleged crimes.
These charges were formally announced by the DOJ last Friday, marking a critical point in the protection of historical and cultural assets from fraudulent schemes. If convicted, Lisa Jeanine Findley faces a minimum of two years and up to twenty years in prison.
Ritz, stressing the landmark’s significance, stated, “Graceland is a national treasure. This defendant allegedly used a brazen scheme to try to defraud the Presley family of their interest in this singularly important landmark.” The penalties Findley faces underscore the gravity of her alleged offenses. According to the DOJ, the combined charges could lead to a substantial prison term designed to prevent similar fraudulent attempts in the future.
In conclusion, the case against Lisa Jeanine Findley encapsulates a profound breach of legal and ethical standards, attempting to undermine the heritage of one of America’s most storied residences. The ongoing legal process will further clarify the circumstances and intentions behind these alleged fraudulent actions while reinforcing legal safeguards for significant cultural assets.
