A Missouri woman has been arrested for allegedly trying to steal Graceland, the legendary home of Elvis Presley, from his family in an unusual scam that could potentially land her 20 years in prison.
The suspect, 53-year-old Lisa Jeanine Findley, was charged earlier this month for her role in the brazen plot, which the U.S. Department of Justice says involved her creating false documents to claim ownership of the iconic property.
Findley’s alleged scheme revolved around the false claim that Lisa Marie Presley, Elvis’ only daughter, had taken out a $3.8 million loan. She allegedly claimed the loan was secured by Graceland, which Lisa Marie allegedly defaulted on before her death.
To carry out her plan, Findley reportedly used several aliases and forged signatures, including those of Lisa Marie and a notary public. She didn’t stop there, however; she also created fake documents to legitimize her claims.
Not only did she file false documents with the Shelby County Recorder’s Office, but she also posted foreclosure notices. These allegations quickly escalated and she falsely announced that Graceland would be auctioned off to pay off the alleged debts.
Riley Keough, Lisa Marie’s daughter and current trustee of the Presley estate, took immediate action. She obtained a court order to stop the fraudulent auction and protect her family’s prized possessions.
Assistant Attorney General Nicole M. Argentieri called the incident a “brazen plot,” citing the numerous forged documents created by Findley. The severity of her actions has prompted strong reactions from various agencies.
A local judge dismissed Findley’s lawsuit after finding blatant irregularities in her records. Allegations surfaced that questioned the authenticity of the signatures and notary stamps she provided.
Interestingly, this scheme gained international attention when someone claiming to be from Nigeria suggested they were part of the larger fraud operation. The person’s claim only added another bizarre twist to this strange story.
According to Eric Shen of the US Postal Inspection Service, this case is an example of how criminals often exploit celebrity fame. Findley in particular took advantage of recent tragedies surrounding the Presley family to make his false claims.
Following her arrest, Findley faces serious charges, including aggravated identity theft and mail fraud. If convicted, she faces up to twenty years in prison.
Elvis Presley’s estate, including Graceland, continues to attract attention, attracting around 600,000 visitors each year. Both Elvis and Lisa Marie Presley are buried on the estate, underscoring its importance to fans and tourists alike.
U.S. Attorney Kevin Ritz emphasized the value of Graceland, calling it “a national treasure,” and assured the public and the Presley family that he would prosecute fraudsters who dare to undermine the legacy of this iconic landmark.
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