A 75-year-old woman, now listed among the FBI’s Most Wanted Fraudsters, is accused of orchestrating elaborate schemes that have defrauded banks in Los Angeles and Orange counties out of millions. Her name is Mary Carole McDonnell, and authorities believe she is currently residing in Dubai, United Arab Emirates. The FBI is offering a reward of up to $150,000 for any information that could lead to her arrest and subsequent conviction.

Allegations of Massive Fraud

Mary Carole McDonnell is claimed to have swindled approximately $14.7 million from a single bank, along with additional amounts from various financial institutions. According to Patrick Grandy, Assistant Director in Charge of the FBI’s Los Angeles Field Office, her fraudulent activities also extend to identity theft. McDonnell reportedly posed as an heiress to the McDonnell aircraft family, asserting that she had access to an $80 million secret trust. This falsehood has formed the backbone of her alleged deceptions. A federal arrest warrant was issued for her in December 2018 by the United States District Court for the Central District of California after she faced charges of bank fraud and aggravated identity theft.

Current Status and Identification Details

While McDonnell’s current location is believed to be Dubai, she has familial ties to Los Angeles and Montgomery, Alabama. The FBI has provided physical details to assist in her identification. McDonnell is described as a Caucasian woman standing 5 feet 7 inches tall, weighing roughly 145 pounds. She has blond hair, blue eyes, and a notable scar on her right knee. It is important to note that she may have altered her appearance as she evades capture.

Background and Criminal Record

McDonnell was the founder of Bellum Entertainment, a now-defunct television production and distribution company established in 2004. Initially named LongNeedle Entertainment, the company specialized in true crime stories, a rather ironic twist considering McDonnell’s own alleged criminal activities. She was indicted in 2018 over her fraud schemes, which have culminated in her recent placement on the FBI’s Most Wanted Fraudsters list. This newly created list focuses exclusively on individuals charged with significant fraud, distinct from the agency’s more widely recognized Ten Most Wanted Fugitives list.

Tips and Community Involvement

The FBI and authorities are actively seeking the public’s help in locating McDonnell. Anyone possessing information about her whereabouts is encouraged to contact their local FBI office, or reach out to the nearest American Embassy or Consulate. The FBI has also made it easy for those with leads to provide tips through a toll-free hotline at 1-800-ALL-FBI. Moreover, the public can submit tips online at tips.fbi.gov. A community tip could very well prove crucial in bringing Mary Carole McDonnell to justice.

The ongoing search for McDonnell exemplifies the FBI’s commitment to tackling major fraud cases. With international partnerships, they aim to ensure that individuals who exploit financial institutions are brought to account, reinforcing the message that deceptive practices will not go unnoticed.