Tennessee attorney general looking into attempt to sell Graceland in foreclosure auction
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Tennessee's attorney general said Thursday that his office is looking into a company's attempt to sell Elvis Presley's home Graceland at a foreclosure auction, a move that was stopped by a judge after the king of rock n' roll's granddaughter filed a lawsuit claiming fraud.
Tennessee's attorney general said Thursday that his office is looking into a company's attempt to sell Elvis Presley's home Graceland at a foreclosure auction, a move that was stopped by a judge after the king of rock n' roll's granddaughter filed a lawsuit claiming fraud.
Attorney General Jonathan Skrmetti said in a news release that the beloved Memphis tourist attraction "became the target" of Nausanny Investments and Private Lending when it tried to sell the home-turned-museum based on claims that Presley's daughter, Lisa Marie Presley, had failed to pay back a loan where Graceland was used as collateral.
Shelby County Chancellor JoeDae Jenkins issued an injunction Wednesday against the proposed auction, which had been scheduled for Thursday. Jenkins' injunction essentially kept in place a previous restraining order issued at the request of Presley's granddaughter Riley Keough.
Tennessee's appointed attorney general can investigate and bring civil lawsuits, including in instances of alleged consumer fraud. But his authority in criminal court is significantly more limited, usually reserved for representing the state during appeals. Local district attorneys, who are elected, bring criminal cases.
"My office has fought fraud against homeowners for decades, and there is no home in Tennessee more beloved than Graceland," Skrmetti, a Republican, said in the release. "I have asked my lawyers to look into this matter, determine the full extent of any misconduct that may have occurred, and identify what we can do to protect both Elvis Presley's heirs and anyone else who may be similarly threatened."
A spokesperson for the district attorney's office in Shelby County, which includes Memphis, said Thursday that it was not currently investigating. And a Tennessee Bureau of Investigation spokesperson said it hasn't been asked by the Shelby County district attorney to investigate, which is how the agency would potentially get involved.
An FBI Memphis spokesperson said the FBI does not comment on the possibility or likelihood of investigations and he declined further comment.
