Emmitt Smith Accused of Fraud in Lawsuit Over Solar Project

Emmitt Smith, renowned for his Hall of Fame football career, faces allegations of defrauding a Native American investor of $2.5 million, according to a lawsuit filed in Delaware. The lawsuit involves Kituwah LLC, a business arm of the Band of Cherokee Indians, which claims to have been misled into investing in a solar project by Smith, his partner David Mosley, and their company, 413 Solutions, Inc.

Kituwah LLC reported no return on its investment, overdue by more than two years, and alleges the funds were used to settle debts with another investor in the venture. The Project Exodus solar farm, the investment in question, was expected to include funding from the U.S. Department of Energy, promising Kituwah a partnership role.

“Kituwah poured substantial time, efforts, and resources in the purported joint venture,” the lawsuit notes, expressing frustration at the lack of returns and costs borne in pursuit of reclaiming the owed amount.

Kituwah LLC seeks damages exceeding $2.5 million, along with interest and legal costs. The lawsuit likens the scheme to a Ponzi operation, citing “false projections and data” as reasons for the initial investment, with repayment falsely promised in mere months.

An investigation revealed that the funds went to Wilson Holdings, associated with Smith and the other defendants. Emmitt Smith is notable for his standing as the NFL’s all-time leading rusher, amassing 18,355 yards primarily with the Dallas Cowboys, where he contributed to three Super Bowl wins.