Scam Targeting Elvis’ Graceland Estate Lands Missouri Woman Behind Bars
Federal authorities have arrested a Missouri woman, Lisa Jeanine Findley, accused of orchestrating a brazen scheme to shake down the Presley family by threatening to fraudulently foreclose on Graceland, Elvis Presley’s iconic home in Memphis.
The authorities charged Findley with mail fraud and aggravated identity theft for using a series of aliases, email addresses, and fake documents to defraud Elvis’ family for millions of dollars. If convicted, Findley faces a mandatory minimum of two years in prison for aggravated identity theft and a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison for mail fraud.
The Scheme
The scheme began in July 2023, shortly after the death of Lisa Marie Presley, Elvis’ daughter. Findley created an email address under the name "Naussany Investments LLC" and began corresponding with Riley Keough, Elvis’ granddaughter, in an attempt to extort millions of dollars from the Presley family. Findley claimed that Elvis’ daughter had borrowed $3.8 million from Naussany Investments and pledged Graceland as collateral for the loan.
Arrest and Investigation
On Friday, law enforcement officials announced the arrest of Findley, who had been using a post office box in Missouri to correspond with the Presley family. According to the FBI, Findley created fake documents, including a loan application and a deed of trust, which were sent to the Presley family as part of her scheme. She also used fake names and email addresses to make it appear as if Naussany Investments was a legitimate company.
The investigation, led by the Postal Inspection Service, discovered that Naussany Investments was not a registered corporate entity in Florida until May 21, 2024, the day before the company was to respond to a lawsuit brought by Ms. Keough’s lawyers in Shelby County Chancery Court.
Forensic Analysis
Forensic analysis revealed that the loan documents and other documents submitted by Naussany Investments were fake. The analysis also showed that the bank records provided as part of the creditor’s claim were also fraudulent.
Sentencing
If convicted, Findley faces a mandatory minimum sentence of two years in prison for aggravated identity theft and a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison for mail fraud. Her detention has been ordered, and she will remain in custody pending extradition to Memphis, where she will face trial.
Conclusion
The arrest of Lisa Jeanine Findley marks a significant milestone in the effort to protect the Presley family and the famous Graceland estate from fraud and identity theft. As the United States Attorney for the Western District of Tennessee noted, "As a Memphian, I know that Graceland is a national treasure. We will work tirelessly to ensure that the Presley family is protected from fraud and identity theft, and that those responsible for this scheme are brought to justice."
FAQs
Q: Who is Lisa Jeanine Findley?
A: Lisa Jeanine Findley is a 53-year-old woman from Missouri who is accused of orchestrating a scheme to shake down the Presley family by threatening to fraudulently foreclose on Graceland, Elvis Presley’s iconic home in Memphis.
Q: What was the scheme?
A: Findley created an email address under the name "Naussany Investments LLC" and began corresponding with Riley Keough, Elvis’ granddaughter, in an attempt to extort millions of dollars from the Presley family. She claimed that Elvis’ daughter had borrowed $3.8 million from Naussany Investments and pledged Graceland as collateral for the loan.
Q: How was the scheme uncovered?
A: The scheme was uncovered by the Postal Inspection Service, which received a tip that Naussany Investments was allegedly attempting to fraudulently foreclose on Graceland.
Q: What charges is Findley facing?
A: Findley is facing charges of mail fraud and aggravated identity theft.
Q: What is the possible sentence for Findley if convicted?
A: If convicted, Findley faces a mandatory minimum sentence of two years in prison for aggravated identity theft and a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison for mail fraud.
Q: What is the status of Findley’s detention?
A: Findley’s detention has been ordered, and she will remain in custody pending extradition to Memphis, where she will face trial.
