Folks, the saga surrounding Elvis Presley’s legendary Graceland estate just got a whole lot stranger.
On Tuesday, a federal grand jury in Memphis heard testimony that could have come straight out of a Hollywood heist movie. We’re talking about a plot so audacious, it involved attempting to swindle Graceland right out from under the Presley family. And the mastermind? A woman with a rap sheet full of scams, fraud, and forgery.
Let’s set the stage. Lisa Holden, a Branson, Missouri resident with a history of shady dealings, is at the center of this bizarre tale. She’s no stranger to the legal system, having already served time for her fraudulent escapades. But this time, Holden allegedly set her sights on Graceland, trying to pull off a scam that would make even the boldest con artists blush. The scheme involved a company called Naussany Investments, which filed documents claiming that Lisa Marie Presley owed millions in unpaid loans, leading to an attempt to force a foreclosure sale of the iconic estate.
Exclusive: A federal grand jury will hear evidence this month in a scam to steal Graceland from Elvis Presley’s family, two subpoenaed sources tell us. One is close with Lisa Holden, the Branson woman we tracked the scam down to in June. https://t.co/6LLvBoZQ9e
— Brandy Zadrozny (@BrandyZadrozny) August 1, 2024
But here’s where it gets interesting. The documents were found to be likely forged, and a judge tossed the case faster than you can say “Suspicious Minds.” And just when you thought it couldn’t get any weirder, someone claiming to represent the scammers emailed media outlets, pointing the finger at a ring of Nigerian identity thieves. Classic.
Now, the FBI has been tight-lipped about the investigation, which only adds to the intrigue. But on Tuesday, two key witnesses, Rasheed Jeremy Carballo and Kimberly Philbrick, made their way into the Memphis federal courthouse to testify. Carballo, who used to be Holden’s roommate, had previously spilled some details to NBC News about the scam. Philbrick, whose name was apparently forged as a notary on the fake documents, played a crucial role in exposing the fraud.
As for Holden? She’s staying mum, denying any involvement in the scam. But her name is on everyone’s lips, especially after Philbrick was spotted touring Graceland the day before her grand jury appearance, lamenting that the estate wouldn’t give her a free pass despite her role in saving it from fraudsters. The irony is almost too rich.
Holden’s partner, Maria Tazbaz, is also feeling the heat. She operates a hardware store, and now her business is under scrutiny too. She’s hoping the feds don’t think she’s mixed up in this mess, but with subpoenas flying and the Postal Inspection Service on the case, it’s clear that the authorities are leaving no stone unturned.
So, what’s next in this wild ride? Only time will tell. But one thing’s for sure—Graceland might be rock ‘n’ roll’s hallowed ground, but it’s also become the epicenter of one of the most bizarre scams we’ve seen in a while. Stay tuned, folks. This story is far from over.
