Missouri Woman Pleads Guilty to Graceland Auction Fraud

(MEMPHIS, Tenn.) — Lisa Findley, a 53-year-old woman from Missouri, pleaded guilty to mail fraud in U.S. District Court in Memphis, Tennessee, on Tuesday. Her guilty plea stems from a scheme to fraudulently auction off Elvis Presley’s famous Graceland estate. As part of a plea deal, prosecutors agreed to dismiss an additional count of aggravated identity theft previously filed against her.

During the court proceedings, when asked if she understood the charges, Findley responded affirmatively but did not elaborate on her conduct. Federal prosecutors are recommending a 57-month prison sentence, with Findley set to return to court for sentencing on June 19.

Initially, Findley had pleaded not guilty following her arrest last year, with a trial scheduled for mid-April prior to her change of plea. The charge of mail fraud carries a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison.

According to prosecutors, Findley devised a “brazen scheme” that attempted to extract a settlement from the Presley family. The fraudulent activities included forging signatures of Elvis Presley’s late daughter, Lisa Marie Presley, and Florida notary, Kimberly Philbrick. This was done to falsely claim that Lisa Marie had not repaid a $3.8 million loan from a purported business named Naussany Investments, which Listed Graceland as collateral.

Philbrick spoke to ABC News, asserting that she never notarized any documents for Lisa Marie Presley and expressed confusion over how her name became associated with the fraudulent scheme. Naussany Investments, which prosecutors allege Findley controlled, filed public notices in May 2024, attempting to auction off Graceland at Shelby County Courthouse.

In a last-minute legal intervention, a Shelby County chancellor halted the auction based on an affidavit from Philbrick alleging her signature was forged and that she had never met Lisa Marie Presley.

This case highlights the rising concerns over fraud and identity theft, especially involving high-profile estates and individuals. Legal experts underscore the importance of vigilance in protecting personal identity and property.

As this case continues, further developments are anticipated. For ongoing coverage on this evolving story, stay tuned for updates.