A Missouri resident has been charged with attempting to defraud Elvis Presley's Graceland estate of millions of dollars.
Breitbart News reports that Findley allegedly posed as multiple individuals associated with a fictitious private lender called "Naussany Investments & Private Lending LLC."
According to the Department of Justice (DOJ), Lisa Jeanine Findley faces charges of mail fraud and aggravated identity theft for her alleged involvement in a sophisticated scheme to claim ownership of the iconic property. The DOJ claims she falsely asserted that Lisa Marie Presley, Elvis Presley's daughter, had used Graceland as collateral for a $3.8 million loan.
Findley's alleged plot involved fabricating loan documents and forging signatures, including that of Lisa Marie Presley and a Florida State notary public. The scheme reportedly aimed to convince Elvis Presley's family that they owed $2.85 million to settle a non-existent claim against the property.
To lend credibility to her alleged fraud, Findley is accused of filing a false creditor's claim with the Superior Court of California in Los Angeles. She also reportedly filed a fraudulent deed of trust with the Shelby County Register of Deeds in Memphis and published a fake foreclosure notice in a Memphis newspaper.
The fabricated foreclosure notice allegedly announced that Naussany Investments intended to auction off Graceland. This bold move was apparently designed to pressure the Presley family into paying the fraudulent debt or risk losing the historic property.
Graceland holds immense historical and cultural significance. Elvis Presley purchased the property in 1957 for over $100,000, and it has since become a major tourist attraction and symbol of rock and roll history. The mansion served as Presley's home base throughout his career, hosting family members and friends.
Nicole Argentieri, Principal Deputy Assistant Attorney General, commented 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.
Kevin G. Ritz, U.S. Attorney for the Western District of Tennessee, emphasized the importance of protecting Graceland and all homeowners from fraud. He stated that the Department of Justice would vigorously prosecute anyone committing financial crimes or identity theft.
If convicted, Findley faces severe legal consequences. The charge of aggravated identity theft carries a minimum prison sentence of two years, while the mail fraud charge could result in up to 20 years of imprisonment.
The case highlights the ongoing need for vigilance against sophisticated fraud schemes targeting high-profile properties and estates. It also underscores the complexity of modern financial crimes, which often involve multiple jurisdictions and elaborate forgeries.
Authorities are likely to continue their investigation to determine if any other individuals were involved in the alleged scheme and to ensure that all aspects of the fraud have been uncovered. The case may also prompt increased scrutiny of property transactions and loan agreements involving high-value estates.
Lisa Jeanine Findley of Missouri has been charged with attempting to defraud the Graceland estate through an elaborate scheme involving forged documents and false claims. The alleged plot aimed to convince the Presley family that they owed millions on a non-existent loan. If convicted, Findley faces significant prison time for mail fraud and aggravated identity theft. The case emphasizes the importance of protecting historic landmarks and personal property from sophisticated fraud attempts.
