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FBI Seeks 73-Year-Old ‘Heiress’ Accused of Nearly $30M Bank Fraud — Believed To Be in Dubai

People
03:01 PM, 12/09/2025
FBI Seeks 73-Year-Old ‘Heiress’ Accused of Nearly $30M Bank Fraud — Believed To Be in Dubai

Mary Carole McDonnell, 73, is wanted by the FBI for allegedly posing as a McDonnell Aircraft heiress and defrauding banks and institutions of nearly $30 million in Southern California between July 2017 and May 2018. Officials say she obtained about $14.7 million from Banc of California and more than $15 million from other lenders by claiming access to an $80 million secret trust. A federal arrest warrant was issued on Dec. 12, 2018; she is described as a blonde about 5'7" and is believed to be in Dubai. Anyone with tips should contact the FBI or the nearest U.S. diplomatic post.

The FBI is seeking Mary Carole McDonnell, 73, accused of posing as an heir to the McDonnell Aircraft family and defrauding banks and other institutions in Southern California of nearly $30 million. Authorities say she may be residing in Dubai.

Allegations and Timeline

According to an FBI press release, McDonnell is wanted for a scheme that targeted lenders and financial institutions in Los Angeles and Orange counties from about July 2017 through May 2018. Federal prosecutors allege she falsely claimed access to an $80 million "secret trust" tied to the McDonnell Aircraft family to secure loans and other funds.

Prosecutors say McDonnell "knowingly, and with the intent to defraud, devised and participated in a scheme to obtain money, funds, assets, and property owned by Banc of California." The FBI reports she wrongfully obtained about $14.7 million from that bank and allegedly took more than $15 million from other lenders, amounting to nearly $30 million in total.

Charges, Description And Whereabouts

A federal arrest warrant was issued on Dec. 12, 2018, in the U.S. District Court for the Central District of California after McDonnell was charged with Bank Fraud and Aggravated Identity Theft. The FBI describes her as a blonde woman, approximately 5 ft. 7 in. tall, weighing about 145 pounds, with a scar on her right knee.

Business Ties And Additional Context

Public records indicate McDonnell previously served as CEO of Bellum Entertainment LLC, a now-defunct Burbank production company behind television programs such as I Married a Murderer and It Takes a Killer. In 2017, Bellum was investigated by the California Labor Commission over alleged unpaid wages to dozens of former employees.

How To Help

Authorities ask anyone with information about McDonnell's whereabouts to contact the FBI field office or the nearest U.S. embassy or consulate. Anonymous tips may be submitted through the FBI's website. The agency urges caution: these are allegations and McDonnell is presumed innocent unless proven guilty in court.

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