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
Federal prosecutors investigating NYC Council member, Hochul aide for taking bribes to help migrant shelter provider

NYC Council Member and Hochul Aide Under Investigation for Alleged Bribery in Migrant Shelter Deal

Federal prosecutors are currently investigating a Brooklyn Council member, her sister, and…
Security guard shot near NYC's Madison Square Park in broad daylight attack

Daylight Shooting Near NYC’s Madison Square Park Leaves Security Guard Injured: Public Safety Concerns Rise

On Monday afternoon, a security guard was shot near Madison Square Park…
Severe weather outlook: Chicago weather forecast today, tomorrow includes chance for strong storms, large hail, high winds

Chicago Braces for Intense Weather: Strong Storms, Large Hail, and High Winds Expected

CHICAGO — The meteorologists at ABC7 Chicago AccuWeather have sounded an alert…
Former US Air Force pilot breaks world record by whizzing on skis at over 60 mph across asphalt

Ex-Air Force Pilot Sets New World Record Skiing Over Asphalt at 60+ MPH

A former US Air Force pilot has set a new world record…
Trump rips 'dumb' Supreme Justices ahead of critical birthright citizenship oral arguments

Trump Criticizes Supreme Court Justices as ‘Dumb’ Ahead of Pivotal Birthright Citizenship Case

On Monday, President Trump launched a scathing attack on the Supreme Court…
Bones found in Mokena, Illinois: More remains found at Townline Road and Oakwood Drive, where bones of Terhan F. Gordon recovered

Uncovering Mokena’s Mystery: More Human Remains Found at Townline Road and Oakwood Drive

In a significant development from Mokena, Illinois, authorities have uncovered more human…
Judge dismisses charges against two ex-Louisville police officers in Breonna Taylor shooting case

Charges Dropped for Two Former Louisville Officers in Breonna Taylor Case

A federal judge in Louisville, Kentucky, has decided to drop the charges…
Hearing postponed for Jenna Strouble, woman charged in Crete Township triple homicide; new details revealed in court

Hearing for Jenna Strouble, Accused in Crete Township Triple Homicide, Delayed as New Court Details Emerge

A woman facing charges for the murder of her children’s father and…
Dem lawmaker to host 'Real Housewives of Rhode Island' viewing party as DHS shutdown continues

Rhode Island Representative Hosts ‘Real Housewives’ Viewing Party Amid DHS Shutdown

Amid the Department of Homeland Security shutdown, Representative Seth Magaziner (D-R.I.) is…
CNN panelist says of Gov. Gavin Newsom: 'I don't like him'

CNN Panelist Expresses Dislike for Gov. Gavin Newsom: A Candid Moment

A conservative commentator delivered a surprising critique on a CNN panel, arguing…
Confirmed: Trump Reveals Iranian Leader He's Talking To, Will Know 'In About a Week' If He's Trustworthy

Trump Discloses Iranian Leader Talks, Trust Decision Expected Soon

In a recent development, President Donald Trump disclosed ongoing negotiations with an…
Michigan Dem told staffers to be silent on Khamenei's death because of 'sad' voters in shock audio leak

Leaked Audio Reveals Michigan Democrat Urged Silence on Khamenei’s Passing Due to Voter Sensitivity

WASHINGTON — In a startling development, leaked audio has surfaced of a…