Emmitt Smith Accused of Defrauding Native American Investor

Pro Football Hall of Famer Emmitt Smith faces accusations of defrauding a Native American investor out of $2.5 million, according to a lawsuit filed in Delaware. Kituwah LLC, which is associated with the Band of Cherokee Indians and focuses on investment and economic development, claims Smith convinced them to invest in a solar project through his real estate company, 413 Solutions, Inc., alongside his business partner David Mosley.

The lawsuit alleges that despite the loan being provided more than two years ago, Kituwah has yet to recoup its investment. The company claims the funds were redirected to repay another investor in the project. This has led to Kituwah seeking at least $2.5 million in damages, along with additional interest, costs, and expenses as part of the trial process.

Named Project Exodus solar farm, Kituwah believed the initiative would receive support from the U.S. Department of Energy and expected to become a recognized partner. Instead, they argue the venture turned into a costly endeavor, forcing them to spend further resources investigating the fate of their initial capital.

“Kituwah poured substantial time, efforts, and resources in the purported joint venture,” the suit states. “Not only has Kituwah not seen any returns on its investment, Kituwah has been forced to expend additional costs in efforts to reclaim the amounts it is still owed pursuant to its investment, including to investigate what happened to its money.”

The organization accuses Smith and his partners of misleading them with bogus projections and information, describing the operation as resembling a Ponzi scheme. They found in their investigation that the money was funneled to Wilson Holdings, another entity involved in different investments with Smith and his colleagues.

Smith’s illustrious NFL career includes being the all-time leading rusher with 18,355 yards and owning several league records. He enjoyed major success with the Dallas Cowboys before concluding his career with the Arizona Cardinals.