Key Takeaways:
– Lisa Jeanine Findley admitted to a scheme to steal Graceland from Elvis Presley’s family.
– She falsely claimed Lisa Marie Presley used the home as collateral for a loan.
– Findley faces up to 20 years in prison but likely will get a shorter sentence.
– A judge blocked the auction of Graceland after Elvis’s granddaughter filed a lawsuit.
A Brazen Scheme to Steal Graceland
In a shocking twist, a Missouri woman has confessed to a bold plan to steal Elvis Presley’s historic home, Graceland. Lisa Jeanine Findley, in her early 50s, pleaded guilty to mail fraud charges in a Tennessee federal court. The scheme involved fake documents and false claims about Elvis’s daughter, Lisa Marie Presley.
How the Scheme
Findley claimed that Lisa Marie Presley had borrowed $3.8 million in 2018 from a company called Naussany Investments. She falsely stated that Lisa Marie used Graceland as collateral for the loan and failed to pay it back. Based on these claims, Findley tried to auction off Graceland, sparking a legal battle.
However, the plan unraveled when a Tennessee judge stepped in. The judge blocked the auction after Riley Keough, Elvis’s granddaughter, filed a lawsuit. Keough alleged that the loan documents were forged, halting the sale of the iconic Memphis property.
The Guilty Plea and Consequences
Findley admitted to creating fake documents, including forged signatures, to carry out her plan. In exchange for her guilty plea, a separate charge of identity theft was dropped. She now faces up to 20 years in prison, though her sentence will likely be shorter due to the plea deal. Sentencing is set for June 18.
Graceland’s Legacy and Family Fight
Graceland, known as the home of the “King of Rock and Roll,” holds immense cultural and emotional value. The Presley family has fought hard to protect the property, ensuring it remains a symbol of Elvis’s legacy.
Nicole Argentieri, a former Justice Department official, described Findley’s actions as a “brazen scheme.” This case highlights the lengths some people go to for financial gain, even targeting iconic landmarks like Graceland.
What’s Next?
As the legal process continues, fans of Elvis Presley can breathe a sigh of relief knowing Graceland is safe for now. The property will remain a cherished piece of music history, thanks to the efforts of the Presley family and the courts.
Findley’s guilty plea serves as a reminder of the importance of integrity and the consequences of dishonesty. Her actions not only threatened a family’s legacy but also misled many people who hold Graceland dear.
Stay tuned for updates as the case unfolds. For now, Graceland remains standing as a testament to Elvis’s enduring impact on music and culture.