Mary Carole McDonnell remains wanted by the FBI over allegations that she used a false inheritance story to obtain millions of dollars from financial institutions in Southern California.
The FBI identifies McDonnell as a former chief executive of Bellum Entertainment and says she is wanted on charges of bank fraud and aggravated identity theft.
Authorities believe she may be in Dubai and are offering a reward of up to US$150,000 for information leading to her arrest and conviction.
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Mary Carole Mcdonnell: What the FBI alleges
According to the FBI, the alleged scheme ran from about July 2017 through May 2018 in Los Angeles and Orange counties.
Investigators allege that McDonnell claimed to be an heir to the McDonnell Aircraft family and said she would eventually gain access to an US$80-million secret trust.
The FBI says she used that representation while seeking money, assets and property from Banc of California.
The agency alleges that approximately US$14.7 million was obtained from Banc of California and was not repaid.
It further estimates that losses involving other financial institutions exceeded US$15 million, putting the overall alleged loss at nearly US$30 million.
The figures are allegations contained in the FBI’s wanted poster and do not represent a criminal conviction.
McDonnell’s current FBI profile
The FBI lists McDonnell under its Most Wanted Fraudsters program and says she has ties to Los Angeles, Montgomery, Alabama, and Dubai in the United Arab Emirates.
The agency lists several aliases, including Mary Carole Carroll, Mary Carol McDonnell, Mary Carroll McDonnell, Mary C.
Carroll and Mary Carroll McDonald.
Her FBI profile gives a date of birth of December 28, 1951, and describes her as an American woman with blonde hair and blue eyes.
The agency also lists her height as 5 feet 7 inches, her weight as 145 pounds and a scar on her right knee.
The FBI says the photograph used in the notice was taken in 2018, meaning her appearance may have changed.
Federal warrant and charges
A federal arrest warrant was issued on December 12, 2018, in the United States District Court for the Central District of California in Santa Ana, according to the FBI.
The listed charges are bank fraud and aggravated identity theft.
Those charges remain allegations unless and until they are proven in court.
The FBI’s notice does not say that McDonnell has been arrested or returned to the United States.
Why the case has drawn attention
McDonnell previously led Bellum Entertainment, a California production company associated with true-crime television programming.
That background has given the case an unusual contrast, but the central issue for investigators is the alleged financial scheme and McDonnell’s continued absence from federal custody.
The FBI’s public notice focuses on locating her, confirming her aliases and explaining the reward available to people who provide useful information.
How to provide information
People who know where McDonnell is or have information about the case can contact the FBI at 1-800-CALL-FBI, or 1-800-225-5324.
The agency also directs tipsters to its online tip portal, a local FBI office, or the nearest American embassy or consulate.
Tipsters should not approach McDonnell themselves or attempt to intervene.
Information should instead be provided directly to law enforcement, particularly if it includes a current location, travel information, aliases or documents connected to the case.
What happens next
The next major development would likely be McDonnell’s arrest, an update to the FBI’s assessment of her location, or further proceedings in the Central District of California.
Until such a development occurs, the FBI continues to treat the case as an active fugitive investigation.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is Mary Carole McDonnell?
Mary Carole McDonnell is a former Bellum Entertainment executive who is wanted by the FBI on allegations of bank fraud and aggravated identity theft.
Why is Mary Carole McDonnell wanted by the FBI?
The FBI alleges that she used claims of access to an $80-million family trust to obtain approximately $14.7 million from Banc of California and more than $15 million from other financial institutions.
Where does the FBI believe Mary Carole McDonnell is located?
The FBI says McDonnell is believed to be in Dubai, United Arab Emirates, and lists Dubai among her known ties.
How much is the FBI reward for information?
The FBI is offering a reward of up to US$150,000 for information leading to McDonnell’s arrest and conviction.
How can someone report information about her?
Tips can be provided to the FBI at 1-800-CALL-FBI, through the FBI’s online tip portal, or through a local FBI office or American embassy or consulate.
Fact-Checked: Key details were checked against the FBI’s current wanted profile and official wanted poster for Mary Carole McDonnell.
Disclaimer: The allegations described in this article have not been proven in court, and McDonnell is presumed innocent unless proven guilty.