A Missouri woman was arrested this morning on federal charges in connection with an alleged scheme to defraud Elvis Presley’s family of millions of dollars and steal the family’s ownership interest in Graceland, the former home of Elvis Presley, located in Memphis, Tennessee.
Lisa Jeanine Findley, also known as Lisa Holden, Lisa Howell, Gregory Naussany, Kurt Naussany, Lisa Jeanine Sullins, and Carolyn Williams, 53, of Kimberling City, Missouri, was charged in a criminal complaint unsealed today after her arrest. Findley will make her initial appearance later today in the U.S. District Court for the Western District of Missouri.
“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,” said Principal Deputy Assistant Attorney General Nicole M. Argentieri, head of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division. “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. Now she is facing federal charges. The Criminal Division and its partners are committed to holding fraudsters to account.”
“As a Memphian, I know that Graceland is a national treasure,” said U.S. Attorney Kevin G. Ritz for the Western District of Tennessee. “This defendant allegedly used a brazen scheme to try to defraud the Presley family of their interest in this singularly important landmark. Of course, all homeowners deserve to have their property protected from fraud, and the Department of Justice will vigorously prosecute anyone who commits financial crimes or identity theft.”
According to court documents, Findley allegedly posed as three different individuals affiliated with a fictitious private lender named Naussany Investments & Private Lending LLC (Naussany Investments). Findley allegedly claimed falsely that Elvis Presley’s daughter had borrowed $3.8 million in 2018 from Naussany Investments, pledged Graceland as collateral for the loan and failed to repay the debt. To settle the purported claim, Findley allegedly sought $2.85 million from Elvis Presley’s family. Findley allegedly fabricated loan documents on which she forged signatures of Elvis Presley’s daughter and a Florida State notary public.
Findley then allegedly filed a false creditor's claim with Superior Court of California in Los Angeles and fake deed trust with Shelby County Register's Office in Memphis. She also allegedly published fraudulent foreclosure notice in The Commercial Appeal announcing that Naussany Investments planned auctioning Graceland on May 23rd.
When Naussany Investments was sued by Elvis Presley's family in Tennessee state court as part effort stopping sale Graceland; Findley submitted false court filings.
After attracting global media attention; Findley wrote representatives claiming Nigerian identity thief responsible located Nigeria.
“Fame money magnets criminals capitalize another person celebrity status," said Inspector Charge Eric Shen USPIS Criminal Investigations Group."In case Ms.Findley took advantage very public tragic occurrences Presley opportunity prey name financial status heirs attempting steal rightfully belongs personal gain.Postal Inspectors law enforcement partners put end alleged protecting continued harm stress.This example relentless investigative work commitment bringing criminals justice illegal activity."
"Today's announcement charges law enforcement action shows broad approach investigating allegations identity theft mail fraud affect people walks life," said Special Agent Charge Joseph E.Carrico FBI Memphis Field Office."We continue vigorously pursue cases against individuals United States abroad would steal identity use benefit personally."
Findley charged mail fraud aggravated identity theft.If convicted faces mandatory minimum two years prison aggravated maximum penalty twenty years mail fraud.
USPIS FBI Memphis Field Office investigating significant assistance FBI Kansas City Field Office.Assistant Chief Cory E.Jacobs Trial Attorney Christopher Fenton Criminal Division Fraud Section Assistant U.S.Attorney Carroll L.André III Western District Tennessee prosecuting significant assistance U.S.Attorney's Office Western District Missouri.
Criminal complaint merely allegation.All defendants presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond reasonable doubt court law.
___