FBI hunts Michigan woman accused of stealing nearly $30M while posing as aircraft heiress
Share this @internewscast.com

The FBI is on the hunt for a woman from Michigan who is accused of masterminding a massive fraud operation in Southern California.

Authorities report that 73-year-old Mary Carole McDonnell faces charges of bank fraud and aggravated identity theft, linked to a purported scheme that unfolded across Los Angeles and Orange counties from July 2017 to May 2018, according to the FBI.

The FBI explained, “Around July 2017 through May 2018, McDonnell allegedly devised and took part in a plan to deceitfully acquire money, funds, assets, and property from Banc of California.”

Mary Carole McDonnell, who is accused of large-scale bank fraud

Mary Carole McDonnell, who remains at large, stands accused of orchestrating an extensive financial scam in Southern California. (FBI)

Federal agents assert that McDonnell masqueraded as an heir to the McDonnell Aircraft fortune, falsely claiming future access to an $80 million secret trust.

Despite lacking authorization, she managed to secure approximately $14.7 million from Banc of California, with no intention of repayment.

She used similar methods to defraud other financial institutions of more than $15 million, according to the FBI.

She previously served as the CEO of Bellum Entertainment LLC, a Burbank-based production company, and has documented ties to Los Angeles, Montgomery, Alabama, and Dubai, United Arab Emirates.

A federal arrest warrant for McDonnell was issued on Dec. 12, 2018, in the U.S. District Court for the Central District of California.

A report by Deadline cites that Bellum Entertainment came under investigation by the California Labor Commission in 2017 for the alleged nonpayment of wages to dozens of former employees.

City lights in Dubai

Dubai, Burj Khalifa, United Arab Emirates, Sunset, Cityscape

The outlet also reported that McDonnell told employees the company couldn’t meet payroll because of “significant bank fraud.”

Investigators say they believe that McDonnell is currently in Dubai and describe her as a White female, 5 feet 7 inches tall, weighing 145 pounds, with blonde hair, blue eyes, and a scar on her right knee.

Anyone with information on McDonnell’s whereabouts is urged to contact their local FBI office or the nearest American embassy or consulate.

Share this @internewscast.com
You May Also Like
Anaheim, California news: 8 Anaheim High School running team members struck by vehicle in possible DUI crash

Tragic DUI Crash in Anaheim: 8 High School Track Team Members Injured by Vehicle

ANAHEIM, Calif. — In a tragic incident on Wednesday afternoon, eight members…
Feds release photo of illegal alien accused of wounding 4 Nebraska officers, say he crossed border as child

Suspect in Nebraska Officers’ Shooting Identified: Authorities Release Image of Alleged Childhood Border Crosser

Federal authorities have unveiled an image of an undocumented immigrant from El…
Virginia high school football coach goes missing during team's undefeated season

Absence of Virginia Coach Travis Turner Sparks Intense School Board Meeting Amid Sealed Case Records: Report

Virginia public school officials convened for a heated meeting, marking the first…
U.S. to require foreign tourists to submit 5 years of social media history

U.S. Introduces New Rule: Foreign Visitors Must Share 5 Years of Social Media Activity

In a move that could significantly alter the travel experience for many…
Experienced hiker rescued after getting trapped in quicksand at Utah's Arches National Park

Thrilling Rescue: Veteran Hiker Survives Quicksand Ordeal in Utah’s Arches National Park

An experienced hiker found himself in a life-threatening predicament when he became…
Sophie Kinsella, author of the best-selling 'Shopaholic' novels, dies at 55

Beloved ‘Shopaholic’ Series Author Sophie Kinsella Passes Away at 55: A Literary World in Mourning

Sophie Kinsella, the celebrated author behind “Confessions of a Shopaholic” and its…
Human skull, other remains found in bushes by Brooklyn's Coney Island as investigators work to unravel mystery

Human Skull Discovery Near Coney Island Sparks Investigation into Mysterious Remains

A human skull, along with other skeletal remains, was unearthed amidst the…
Chicago police shooting: Man shot, killed by officer investigating stolen vehicle on North Side, CPD says

Tragic Encounter: Chicago Officer Fatally Shoots Man While Probing North Side Vehicle Theft

In a tragic turn of events, a Chicago police officer was compelled…
New cockpit audio reveals chaos as off-duty Alaska Airlines pilot tried to shut engines off mid-flight

Shocking Cockpit Audio Unveils Turmoil as Off-Duty Pilot Attempts Engine Shutdown in Mid-Air Drama

In a startling incident aboard a 2023 flight, a former Alaska Airlines…
Arkansas mom found shot to death with two children wrote cryptic Facebook post months before killings

Tragic Arkansas Family Incident: Mother’s Eerie Facebook Message Surfaces After Fatal Shootings

In a chilling turn of events, a woman and her two children…
Suspect identified in Kentucky State University shooting that left one student dead, another injured

Suspect Named in Kentucky State University Shooting: One Student Deceased, Another Injured

The individual charged with the campus shooting at Kentucky State University, which…
Cops rule college freshman’s deadly dorm fall an accident, but DA delays closure as family fights for answers

Family Seeks Justice as DA Reviews College Freshman’s Fatal Fall Ruled Accidental

In the wake of a tragic incident that claimed the life of…