California, December 10, 2025
Mary Carole McDonnell, a 73-year-old woman, is wanted by the FBI for allegedly orchestrating a $30 million bank fraud scheme in California. Posing as an heiress to the McDonnell Aircraft Corporation, she defrauded several financial institutions between 2017 and 2018. A federal arrest warrant was issued following her indictment in December 2018, and she is believed to be hiding in Dubai. The FBI is actively seeking tips from the public to locate her.
FBI Seeks Fugitive in $30 Million Bank Fraud Scheme in California
Santa Ana, California – The FBI is on the hunt for Mary Carole McDonnell, a 73-year-old woman accused of a large-scale fraud scheme that defrauded multiple financial institutions in California out of nearly $30 million. McDonnell allegedly posed as an heiress to the McDonnell Aircraft Corporation, fabricating access to an $80 million secret trust fund. Between July 2017 and May 2018, she reportedly secured around $14.7 million from the Banc of California and defrauded other banks of more than $15 million. The federal arrest warrant issued in December 2018 charges her with bank fraud and aggravated identity theft. Currently, McDonnell is believed to be in Dubai, United Arab Emirates, and the FBI is seeking the public’s assistance in locating her.
Details of the Alleged Fraud Scheme
Mary Carole McDonnell is alleged to have orchestrated an elaborate and sophisticated fraud scheme. Claiming to be an heir to the McDonnell Aircraft Corporation, she misrepresented her financial standing to secure significant loans from various institutions. This resulted in considerable financial losses for the banks involved. Fraud schemes like this highlight the importance of thorough due diligence by financial institutions to safeguard against such deceptive practices, especially as communities increasingly seek to encourage innovation and entrepreneurism.
Background on McDonnell’s Professional History
Before her alleged fraudulent activities, McDonnell held the position of chief executive officer at Bellum Entertainment LLC, a Burbank-based production company known for its true crime television shows. Under her leadership, Bellum Entertainment faced financial challenges, including issues meeting payroll obligations and being investigated for nonpayment of wages to former employees. This backdrop raises poignant questions about the intersection of creativity, business management, and financial accountability in Los Angeles’s dynamic entertainment sector.
Legal Actions and Current Status
After a federal grand jury indicted her in December 2018, a federal arrest warrant was issued in the U.S. District Court for the Central District of California. Despite these legal actions, McDonnell remains at large and is thought to be residing in Dubai. The ongoing pursuit by the FBI reflects the agency’s commitment to addressing fraud and identity theft comprehensively. Public engagement and vigilance are crucial in solving cases like this, reinforcing the role of citizen responsibility in fostering a secure economic environment.
Public Assistance Requested
The FBI is actively requesting information from the public regarding McDonnell’s whereabouts. Individuals with any knowledge are urged to contact the closest FBI office or the nearest American embassy or consulate. Additionally, anonymous tips can be submitted through the FBI’s official website. Community involvement in these matters is pivotal, promoting a culture of collective safeguarding against fraud and other financial crimes.
Key Features of the Case
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Accused Individual | Mary Carole McDonnell, 73-year-old woman from Michigan |
| Alleged Fraud Amount | Nearly $30 million from multiple financial institutions in California |
| Method of Fraud | Pretended to be an heir to the McDonnell Aircraft Corporation, falsely claiming access to an $80 million secret trust fund |
| Timeframe of Fraud | Between July 2017 and May 2018 |
| Legal Actions | Indicted in December 2018 on charges of fraud; federal arrest warrant issued |
| Current Status | Believed to be in Dubai; FBI seeking public assistance in locating her |
Conclusion
The ongoing case against Mary Carole McDonnell serves as a reminder of the critical role transparency and accountability play within both the financial and business communities. As we witness the resilience of businesses across Los Angeles and the innovative spirit of its entrepreneurs, safeguarding against fraud is fundamental to fostering economic growth. Individuals are encouraged to stay engaged in their communities, support local businesses, and remain vigilant about potential fraud attempts, contributing positively to Los Angeles’s vibrant economic landscape.
FAQ
- Who is Mary Carole McDonnell?
- Mary Carole McDonnell is a 73-year-old woman accused of defrauding multiple financial institutions in California out of nearly $30 million by posing as an heiress to the McDonnell Aircraft Corporation.
- What was the nature of the fraud scheme?
- McDonnell allegedly misrepresented herself as an heir to the McDonnell Aircraft Corporation, claiming access to an $80 million secret trust fund. She received approximately $14.7 million from the Banc of California and defrauded other institutions of over $15 million.
- What is McDonnell’s professional background?
- McDonnell served as the chief executive officer of Bellum Entertainment LLC, a Burbank-based production company known for true crime TV shows such as “It Takes a Killer” and “I Married a Murderer.”
- What legal actions have been taken against McDonnell?
- In December 2018, a federal grand jury indicted McDonnell on charges of fraud and identity theft. A federal arrest warrant was issued, but she remains at large, believed to be residing in Dubai.
- How can the public assist in locating McDonnell?
- The FBI urges anyone with information regarding McDonnell’s whereabouts to contact their local FBI office or the nearest American embassy or consulate. Anonymous tips can also be submitted through the FBI’s website.
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