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 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.
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.
