In a shocking revelation, federal authorities have uncovered an elaborate scheme aimed at defrauding the heirs of Elvis Presley, one of the most iconic figures in American music history. Lisa Jeanine Findley, a 53-year-old Missouri resident, has been arrested and charged with mail fraud and aggravated identity theft for her alleged role in the plot, which threatened to strip the Presley family of millions of dollars.
According to the U.S. Department of Justice, Findley orchestrated a complex fraud that almost resulted in the foreclosure of Graceland, Presley’s legendary Memphis estate. The investigation, which culminated in her arrest on August 16—the 47th anniversary of Presley’s death—revealed that Findley had created a web of deceit involving fake companies, forged documents, and fraudulent claims.
How the Scheme Unfolded
The fraudulent plot hinged on a claim that Lisa Marie Presley, Elvis’s only daughter who passed away earlier this year, had borrowed $3.8 million from a fake private lending company named Naussany Investments & Private Lending LLC. To secure this alleged loan, Findley claimed that Lisa Marie had used Graceland as collateral. When the loan was supposedly not repaid, Findley moved to have Graceland foreclosed.
To make her scheme appear legitimate, Findley forged documents, including those bearing Lisa Marie Presley’s signature and the credentials of a Florida State notary. She then attempted to settle the fake debt with the Presley family for $2.85 million. The Presley family, however, refused to comply with this extortion attempt, prompting Findley to push forward with foreclosure proceedings.
The plot unraveled when Riley Keough, Lisa Marie Presley’s daughter and the current owner of Graceland, stepped in. Keough’s attorney filed a formal complaint, contesting the authenticity of the documents presented by Findley. This intervention led to the suspension of the foreclosure and triggered a deeper investigation by federal authorities.
The Legal Consequences
The legal ramifications for Findley are severe. If convicted, she faces a mandatory minimum of two years in prison for aggravated identity theft, along with a maximum sentence of 20 years for mail fraud. These charges reflect the seriousness of the crime, which exploited not only the financial assets of the Presley family but also their emotional vulnerabilities during a period of mourning.
Principal Deputy Assistant Attorney General Nicole M. Argentieri, head of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division, emphasized the gravity of the charges in a statement. “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,” Argentieri stated. She further highlighted the brazenness of the scheme, noting the creation of numerous false documents and the attempt to extort money from the Presley family.
Moving Forward
As the legal proceedings against Findley continue, the Presley family can take some solace in the knowledge that justice is being pursued. The case underscores the importance of vigilance in protecting not only financial assets but also the integrity of a cultural legacy that resonates with millions of fans worldwide.
The exposure of this multimillion-dollar fraud attempt is a testament to the resilience of the Presley family and the effectiveness of the legal system in safeguarding against such brazen criminal activities. However, the ordeal is also a sobering reminder of the persistent threats that accompany fame and fortune, even decades after the passing of a legendary figure like Elvis Presley.
