By Ciara Perez, News Reporter | iSkyCreations - News & Media (ISC) Publish Date: August 16th, 2024
WASHINGTON – According to the U.S. District Court for the Western District of Missouri, a Missouri woman has been arrested and charged with federal crimes related to a scheme to defraud Elvis Presley’s family out of millions of dollars and seize their ownership stake in Graceland, the iconic Memphis home of the late rock and roll legend.
Lisa Jeanine Findley, 53, also known by numerous aliases, including Lisa Holden, Lisa Howell, and Gregory Naussany, was taken into custody this morning in Kimberling City, Missouri. According to a criminal complaint unsealed after her arrest, Findley allegedly devised an elaborate plan to swindle Elvis Presley’s family, falsely claiming that Presley’s daughter had pledged Graceland as collateral for a loan and had defaulted on the repayment.
The U.S. Department of Justice alleges that Findley attempted to extort $2.85 million from the Presley family, fabricating numerous documents, including loan agreements and forged signatures. She even went as far as to file fraudulent claims with both the Superior Court of California and the Shelby County Register’s Office in Memphis. In an audacious move, Findley announced a foreclosure auction of Graceland, which was published in a Memphis newspaper.
“Findley’s scheme to defraud the Presley family by falsely claiming ownership of Graceland represents a brazen attack on their legacy,” said Principal Deputy Assistant Attorney General Nicole M. Argentieri of the DOJ’s Criminal Division. “We are committed to ensuring that such criminals are brought to justice.”
The arrest has drawn national attention due to the historical and cultural significance of Graceland. U.S. Attorney Kevin G. Ritz for the Western District of Tennessee emphasized the importance of protecting landmarks like Graceland from fraudulent schemes.
As the investigation progressed and media coverage intensified, Findley reportedly shifted the blame, claiming that a Nigerian identity thief was responsible for the fraudulent actions.
The U.S. Postal Inspection Service (USPIS) and the FBI led the investigation, which exposed Findley’s elaborate efforts to manipulate the Presley family’s tragedy for personal gain. She now faces federal charges of mail fraud and aggravated identity theft, carrying potential sentences of up to 20 years in prison.
“Ms. Findley’s alleged actions represent a clear attempt to exploit a public tragedy,” said Inspector Eric Shen of the USPIS Criminal Investigations Group. “We remain vigilant in protecting the public from such schemes.”
Findley will appear later today before the U.S. District Court for the Western District of Missouri. Federal agents will continue their investigation, and further details of the case are expected to be revealed as court proceedings begin.
Key Takeaways:
Lisa Jeanine Findley, 53, of Missouri, was arrested for allegedly attempting to defraud Elvis Presley’s family out of millions and seize ownership of Graceland.
The scheme involved fabricating loan documents, forging signatures, and falsely claiming Elvis Presley’s daughter had defaulted on a loan using Graceland as collateral.
Findley faces federal charges of mail fraud and aggravated identity theft, which could result in up to 20 years in prison.
The U.S. Postal Inspection Service (USPIS) and FBI were instrumental in uncovering the fraud and preventing further damage to the Presley family’s legacy.
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