Mary Carole McDonnell, a 74-year-old woman, has found herself on the FBI’s Most Wanted list following allegations of a high-stakes fraud scheme that reportedly defrauded banks of nearly $30 million. Posing as a member of the notable McDonnell Douglas Aircraft Corporation family, McDonnell is accused of perpetrating this scam in Los Angeles and Orange counties from July 2017 to May 2018.
According to the FBI’s press release, McDonnell approached Banc of California, claiming she was an heir to the aerospace giant’s fortune and falsely asserting that she would soon access an $80 million trust. Despite knowing she was not entitled to the funds, she was able to fraudulently secure approximately $14.7 million, with the overall losses from her alleged activities exceeding $15 million across various financial institutions.
The investigation revealed that McDonnell allegedly masterminded the fraud to obtain money and assets from Banc of California, showcasing a clear intent to deceive and exploit the banking system.
In addition to her fraudulent activities, McDonnell has a background in the entertainment industry, having served as the CEO of Bellum Entertainment LLC, a production company known for creating programs like “It Takes a Killer” and “I Married a Murderer.” The company faced scrutiny in 2017 for not paying wages to many former employees, which McDonnell attributed to “significant bank fraud.” Her nephew, Peter McDonnell, who was the company’s vice president, stated he was unaware of any such fraud and left the company while still owed $10,000.
McDonnell has since reportedly fled to Dubai and is described as a white female, standing 5 feet 7 inches tall and weighing around 145 pounds, with blonde hair, blue eyes, and a scar on her right knee. The FBI is actively seeking assistance from the public in locating her, urging anyone with relevant information to reach out to local FBI offices or U.S. embassies and consulates.
This troubling case underscores the significant repercussions of financial fraud, which can impact many, from financial institutions to employees of affected companies. It serves as a reminder of the importance of vigilance in preventing and addressing such deceitful practices within various sectors.