WASHINGTON, D.C. — A Missouri woman was arrested today on federal charges for allegedly orchestrating a scheme to defraud the family of Elvis Presley of millions of dollars and steal their ownership interest in Graceland, the iconic Memphis estate once home to the legendary musician.
Lisa Jeanine Findley, 53, of Kimberling City, Missouri, was charged with mail fraud and aggravated identity theft in connection with the plot. Also known by several aliases, including Lisa Holden, Gregory Naussany, and Carolyn Williams, Findley allegedly concocted a fraudulent sale of Graceland by falsely claiming that Elvis Presley’s daughter had pledged the property as collateral for a loan she failed to repay before her death.
According to the U.S. Department of Justice, Findley created fake documents, forged signatures, and sought a $2.85 million settlement from the Presley family, all while posing as individuals affiliated with a fictitious private lender. She allegedly filed false creditor’s claims and published a bogus foreclosure notice in a Memphis newspaper, intending to auction Graceland to the highest bidder. When the scheme attracted global media attention, Findley allegedly attempted to divert blame to a fictitious Nigerian identity thief.
“Graceland is a national treasure, and this defendant allegedly used a brazen scheme to try to defraud the Presley family of their interest in this singularly important landmark,” said U.S. Attorney Kevin G. Ritz for the Western District of Tennessee. “The Department of Justice will vigorously prosecute anyone who commits financial crimes or identity theft.”
Findley faces a mandatory minimum of two years in prison for aggravated identity theft and up to 20 years for mail fraud. The case is being investigated by the U.S. Postal Inspection Service and the FBI, with assistance from multiple field offices.