A Missouri woman's audacious plan to extort millions from the Presley family
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A Missouri woman has admitted to orchestrating a fraudulent scheme aimed at extorting millions of dollars from Elvis Presley’s family and attempting to claim ownership of Graceland, the legendary musician’s Memphis estate.
Lisa Jeanine Findley, 53, of Kimberling City, pleaded guilty in federal court to one count of mail fraud after prosecutors revealed she used forged documents, a fake loan company, and fraudulent legal claims to pressure the Presley family into handing over a multi-million dollar payment or risk losing their ownership of Graceland.
The Department of Justice announced the guilty plea on Tuesday, confirming that Findley faces up to 20 years in prisonwhen sentenced on June 18.
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The scheme began shortly after the January 2023 death of Lisa Marie Presley, the only child of Elvis Presley. At that time, Lisa Marie’s daughter, actress Riley Keough, became the sole trustee of Graceland, which is a National Historic Landmark and one of Tennessee’s most visited attractions.
Prosecutors revealed that Findley created a fake moneylending company, posing as multiple employees, and forged documents claiming that Lisa Marie Presley had taken out a $3.8 million loan and used Graceland as collateral.
Findley then approached Keough, presenting her with the fraudulent loan agreement and demanding $2.85 million in exchange for preventing foreclosure on Graceland. She threatened to auction off the property if the family refused to comply.
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However, records confirmed that Lisa Marie had never taken out such a loan, and Findley’s claims were entirely fabricated.
Findley began filing fraudulent legal claims in September 2023, falsely asserting ownership rights over Graceland. Her filings sought to force the estate into foreclosure, setting the stage for a fake auction of Elvis Presley’s 14-acre property.
Riley Keough took the matter to court in May 2024, successfully obtaining an order blocking the fraudulent sale. Authorities arrested Findley in August 2024, charging her with mail fraud and aggravated identity theft. As part of her plea agreement, the identity theft charge was dropped.
Findley’s scheme was investigated by the US Postal Inspection Service (USPIS) and the FBI’s Nashville Field Office.
Acting US Attorney Reagan Taylor Fondren and Justice Department officials emphasized the seriousness of the case, citing Findley’s use of deception and legal manipulation in an attempt to seize one of America’s most famous homes.
She now faces a maximum of 20 years in prison, with sentencing set for June 18. A federal judge will determine the sentence, considering legal guidelines and other relevant factors.
Graceland, originally purchased by Elvis Presley in 1957, remains under the legal ownership of his family, with Riley Keough maintaining control over the estate. The mansion continues to be one of Memphis’s biggest tourist attractions, drawing hundreds of thousands of visitors each year.
