A 73-year-old woman from Michigan, Mary Carole McDonnell, is making headlines after being accused of orchestrating a massive fraud scheme in California. According to the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), McDonnell allegedly posed as an heiress in Los Angeles and Orange Counties, scamming nearly $30 million from various banks and institutions. The FBI has issued a federal arrest warrant for McDonnell, who is believed to be currently evading authorities in Dubai.
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The FBI’s press release states that McDonnell’s fraudulent activities took place between July 2017 and May 2018. During this time, she allegedly claimed to be an heir to the McDonnell Aircraft Family, asserting that she had access to an $80 million secret trust. The FBI alleges that McDonnell devised a scheme to obtain money, funds, assets, and property from Banc of California through deceit. It is reported that McDonnell fraudulently obtained approximately $14.7 million from the bank, which she has not repaid.
Not stopping there, McDonnell is also accused of defrauding other financial institutions of over $15 million in a similar manner. Described as a blonde woman, 5’7″ tall, weighing 145 pounds, with a scar on her right knee, McDonnell has a colourful past. She previously served as the chief executive officer of Bellum Entertainment LLC, a production company based in Burbank. The company, known for producing shows such as “I Married a Murderer” and “It Takes a Killer,” was under investigation by the California Labor Commission for alleged wage nonpayment to former employees.
A federal arrest warrant was issued for McDonnell in December 2018, charging her with Bank Fraud and Aggravated Identity Theft in the U.S. District Court, Central District of California. Authorities are urging anyone with information on McDonnell’s whereabouts to contact the FBI or the nearest American embassies and consulates. Anonymous tips can also be submitted through the FBI’s website, as the investigation into McDonnell’s alleged fraudulent activities continues.
This case serves as a stark reminder of the lengths individuals may go to perpetrate financial crimes and deceive institutions for personal gain. McDonnell’s elaborate scheme, spanning multiple financial institutions and involving millions of dollars, highlights the importance of vigilance and due diligence in financial transactions. As the investigation unfolds and authorities work to apprehend McDonnell, the impact of her alleged actions on the affected banks and institutions remains to be seen.
The story of Mary Carole McDonnell, the fake heiress accused of scamming nearly $30 million, continues to captivate audiences as the FBI intensifies its efforts to bring her to justice. Stay tuned for further developments in this intriguing case as law enforcement agencies work tirelessly to unravel the intricate web of deceit spun by McDonnell.