The Arrest
A few months after a judge stopped the foreclosure sale of Graceland because of fraud allegations, authorities have arrested Lisa Jeanine Findley in Missouri.
Facing charges of mail fraud and identity theft, Findley could spend up to 20 years in prison. She will appear in court on Friday to respond to these accusations.
The Alleged Scheme
The Department of Justice claims that Findley tried to scam Elvis Presley’s family out of millions and take control of Graceland. Riley Keough, who inherited Graceland, alerted the court about this plot, saying that Findley’s company falsely claimed Lisa Marie Presley had used the estate as collateral for a loan. The NBC News investigation revealed Findley’s alias, Lisa Holden, the following month.
“As part of the brazen scheme, we allege that the defendant created numerous false documents and sought to extort a settlement from the Presley family,” stated Nicole M. Argentieri from the Justice Department. “Now she is facing federal charges. The Criminal Division and its partners are committed to holding fraudsters to account.”
Sometimes fans wonder how such things happen.
Keough’s representative did not comment on the matter when asked by Rolling Stone.
Falsified Documents
Federal authorities allege that Findley used multiple aliases to create fake documents suggesting Lisa Marie borrowed money from her company and defaulted. These documents, with forged signatures, were allegedly used to demand $2.85 million from the Presley Estate.
Findley also supposedly filed fake claims in Los Angeles and Memphis, even posting a foreclosure notice in a Memphis newspaper. A public auction was planned for May 23. Authorities claim she submitted false court documents blaming a Nigerian identity thief after the Presley estate sued her.
Ongoing Investigation
The case is being investigated by the U.S. Postal Inspection Service and the FBI’s Memphis and Kansas City Field Offices.
When questioned by NBC News in June, Findley insisted she was a victim of identity theft and had “no earthly idea†about the allegations. She even filed a cease-and-desist order against the network.
Elvis bought Graceland in 1957 for $102,500, and it became a tourist attraction after his death in 1977. His legacy continues to draw interest even amidst controversies like this one.
