A Missouri woman has been charged in a scheme to defraud the Presley family and sell Graceland, the iconic home of rock and roll legend Elvis Presley. According to reports, 52-year-old Lisa Marie Thomas allegedly posed as a representative of the Presley estate and attempted to sell the property to unsuspecting buyers.
Thomas, who is not related to the Presley family, is accused of creating fake documents and forging signatures in order to carry out the elaborate scheme. She reportedly claimed to have power of attorney over the estate and even went as far as showing potential buyers around the property.
The scam was discovered when a potential buyer became suspicious and contacted the real estate agent representing the Presley estate. The agent quickly realized that Thomas was not authorized to sell the property and alerted authorities.
Thomas has been charged with multiple counts of fraud, forgery, and impersonation. She is currently being held in custody pending further investigation.
Graceland, located in Memphis, Tennessee, is one of the most famous homes in the world and a popular tourist attraction. It was purchased by Elvis Presley in 1957 and has been preserved as a museum since his death in 1977.
The Presley family has released a statement expressing their shock and disappointment at the attempted fraud. They have reassured fans that Graceland is not for sale and that the property remains under their ownership and control.
This case serves as a reminder to always exercise caution when dealing with individuals claiming to represent famous estates or properties. It also highlights the importance of due diligence and verifying the authenticity of any transactions involving valuable assets.
As the investigation into this scheme continues, authorities are urging anyone who may have been approached by Thomas or have information about her activities to come forward. In the meantime, the Presley family is working to ensure the security and integrity of Graceland for future generations to enjoy.