A Missouri woman, Lisa Jeanine Findley, has been arrested and charged with federal crimes related to an elaborate scheme aimed at defrauding Elvis Presley’s family and taking ownership of Graceland.
Findley allegedly posed as multiple individuals connected to a fictitious lending company, claiming that Elvis Presley’s daughter had used Graceland as collateral for a loan she failed to repay.
She demanded a $2.85 million settlement from the Presley family and even went as far as fabricating loan documents and publishing a fraudulent foreclosure notice.
Related: Tennessee AG Wants Answers To Why Investors Tried To Foreclose On Elvis Presley’s Graceland
When the scheme gained media attention, Findley allegedly blamed a Nigerian identity thief.
“Fame and money are magnets for criminals who look to capitalize on another person’s celebrity status,” said Inspector in Charge Eric Shen of U.S. Postal Inspection Service (USPIS) Criminal Investigations Group. “In this case, Ms. Findley allegedly took advantage of the very public and tragic occurrences in the Presley family as an opportunity to prey on the name and financial status of the heirs to the Graceland estate, attempting to steal what rightfully belongs to the Presley family for her personal gain. Postal Inspectors and their law enforcement partners put an end to her alleged scheme, protecting the Presley family from continued harm and stress. This is an example of our relentless investigative work and commitment to bringing criminals to justice for their illegal activity.”
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“Today’s announcement of charges and law enforcement action shows our broad approach to investigating allegations of identity theft and mail fraud, which can affect people from all walks of life,” said Special Agent in Charge Joseph E. Carrico of the FBI Memphis Field Office. “We will continue to vigorously pursue cases against individuals, in the United States and abroad, who would steal an identity and use fraud to benefit themselves personally.”
Findley faces charges of mail fraud and aggravated identity theft, carrying potential penalties of up to 20 years in prison.
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