Missouri Woman Charged in Alleged Scheme to Steal Graceland
August 20, 2024 - United States, Missouri - In a case that reads like a Hollywood thriller, Lisa Jeanine Findley, a 53-year-old woman from Missouri, has been charged with attempting to steal Graceland, the iconic home of Elvis Presley. The Department of Justice announced that Findley orchestrated a complex scheme involving falsified documents and threats to gain control of the property and extort millions from the Presley family1.
The Scheme Unveiled
Findley’s plot began to unravel when she allegedly created false identities and documents to claim ownership of Graceland. According to federal prosecutors, she posed as representatives of a fictitious company, Naussany Investments & Private Lending LLC, which claimed that Lisa Marie Presley, Elvis’ only child, had defaulted on a $3.8 million loan2. The company then attempted to force a foreclosure sale of Graceland to collect the alleged debt.
The scheme came to light in May 2024 when Naussany Investments filed a court claim against the Presley estate. The claim was quickly dismissed by a Tennessee judge who found the documents to be likely forged3. This dismissal prompted further investigation, leading to Findley’s arrest.
Legal Proceedings and Charges
Findley was arrested at her home in Kimberling City, Missouri, on August 16, 2024. She has been charged with mail fraud and aggravated identity theft, serious offenses that carry significant penalties4. During her initial court appearance, Findley waived her right to a preliminary hearing and agreed to be transferred to the Western District of Tennessee for further proceedings.
The Department of Justice emphasized the severity of the charges. “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,” said Principal Deputy Assistant Attorney General Nicole M. Argentieri5.
Impact on the Presley Family
The Presley family, still mourning the loss of Lisa Marie Presley in January 2023, has been deeply affected by this scheme. Riley Keough, Lisa Marie’s daughter and an actress, had previously sued to block the foreclosure sale, highlighting the emotional and financial toll the fraudulent claims have taken on the family6.
The case has drawn significant media attention, not only because of the high-profile nature of the property involved but also due to the audacity of the scheme. Graceland, located in Memphis, Tennessee, is a major tourist attraction and a symbol of Elvis Presley’s enduring legacy.
Broader Implications
This case underscores the lengths to which some individuals will go to exploit famous estates for personal gain. It also highlights the importance of vigilant legal and financial oversight to protect such properties from fraudulent claims. The Presley family’s swift legal action and the subsequent federal investigation serve as a reminder of the need for robust measures to safeguard iconic landmarks.
As the legal proceedings continue, the Presley family and their supporters hope for a swift resolution that will allow them to focus on preserving Elvis Presley’s legacy without the shadow of fraudulent schemes.
For more detailed information on this case, you can visit NBC News and Yahoo News.
1: NBC News 2: Yahoo News 3: Billboard 4: NBC News 5: KCUR 6: Yahoo News