Emmitt Smith, a Hall of Fame running back, has been accused of fraud involving a Native American investor, according to a lawsuit filed in Delaware. The legal complaint details that Kituwah LLC, part of the Band of Cherokee Indians’ investment and economic development division, provided a $2.5 million loan. The investment was linked to a supposed solar project led by Smith, his business associate David Mosley, and their real estate firm 413 Solutions, Inc., as reported by Front Office Sports.
Kituwah asserts that they have not recovered any funds from the loan, which has been overdue for more than two years. The lawsuit claims the funds were used to repay another company that had previously invested in the project.
Project Exodus solar farm was the venture Kituwah joined, anticipating a partnership role. They were led to believe the U.S. Department of Energy would support the funding.
Kituwah LLC seeks compensation surpassing $2.5 million, along with interest, legal costs, and any other applicable expenses determined in court. They argue that substantial effort and resources were committed to this joint venture, which has yielded no returns. Additionally, they have incurred extra costs trying to reclaim their investment and uncover what occurred with their funds.
Kituwah equates the situation to a Ponzi scheme, alleging false information was provided. They claim the loan was not repaid as promised within a few months. Their investigation revealed funds were directed to Wilson Holdings, a company involved in other ventures with Smith and the lawsuit’s defendants.
Smith holds the record for the most rushing yards in NFL history, achieving 18,355 yards mainly with the Dallas Cowboys. His career includes winning three Super Bowls over 13 seasons, with additional time spent with the Arizona Cardinals. He also maintains records for the most rushing touchdowns (164) and first downs (1,028) in league history.
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