Tennessee attorney general looking into attempt to sell Graceland in foreclosure auction
Tennessee’s attorney general says 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
MEMPHIS, Tenn. (AP) — 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.