FBI Hunts Former True-Crime TV Boss Over Alleged Bank Fraud Involving About $30M Across Lenders

The FBI added former true-crime television executive Mary Carole McDonnell to its Most Wanted Fraudsters list on Wednesday, 14 October. The move renews attention on alleged bank fraud involving about $30 million (£22.5 million) across multiple financial institutions.

Investigators allege she obtained approximately $14.7 million (£11 million) from Banc of California and estimate losses exceeding $15 million (£11.2 million) at other institutions.

McDonnell, formerly chief executive of Bellum Entertainment, faces bank fraud and aggravated identity theft charges dating to 2018. Federal authorities believe she may be in Dubai and are offering up to $150,000 (£112,440) for information leading to her arrest and conviction.

The renewed appeal concerns an alleged scheme in Los Angeles and Orange counties between July 2017 and May 2018. A federal arrest warrant was issued on 12 December 2018 in the Central District of California, following charges against McDonnell. Her addition to the specialist fraudsters list is a renewed public appeal rather than a new indictment.

FBI Details Alleged $30 Million Fraud Involving Mary Carole McDonnell

According to the FBI's wanted notice, McDonnell allegedly devised and participated in a scheme to obtain money and property belonging to Banc of California. The bureau says she received approximately $14.7 million (£11 million) to which she was not entitled and has not repaid it.

Investigators also allege similar conduct involving other financial institutions, with estimated losses of more than $15 million (£11.2 million). Taken together, the two reported amounts place the alleged scheme at around $30 million (£22.5 million) in scale.

The case also centres on claims about McDonnell's family background. The FBI says she falsely represented herself as an heir to the McDonnell Aircraft family, with future access to a secret trust worth $80 million (£60 million). That figure describes her alleged claim to wealth, not money the FBI says she obtained from lenders.

Mary Carole McDonnell's Career in True-Crime Television

McDonnell previously headed Bellum Entertainment, a television production and distribution company based in Burbank, California. Its output included the true-crime programmes It Takes a Killer and I Married a Murderer, according to earlier reporting by the Associated Press.

The programmes dealt with investigations into serious crimes. The company's former chief executive is now wanted in a federal criminal investigation, a contrast with her previous career. The charges concern McDonnell's alleged dealings with financial institutions, not the content of Bellum's programmes.

Bellum was experiencing financial difficulties in 2017. Contemporary industry reporting described payroll delays and complaints from workers who said they had not received money they were owed. Those accounts provide background on the company but do not establish a connection between its employment problems and the alleged bank fraud.

McDonnell's former position remains listed on the FBI's public wanted profile. The charges were brought after the period of alleged financial activity, and federal authorities have continued seeking her arrest.

FBI Searches for Mary Carole McDonnell Amid Dubai Lead

The FBI believes McDonnell may currently be in Dubai, United Arab Emirates, but has not publicly confirmed her location. The agency also lists connections to Los Angeles and Montgomery, Alabama, and has appealed for information that could help investigators locate her.

Patrick Grandy, assistant director in charge of the FBI's Los Angeles office, said the bureau was working with international partners. In the FBI's 14 October announcement, he said 'a tip from the public might break the case', highlighting the importance investigators place on the renewed appeal.

The FBI describes McDonnell as having blonde hair, blue eyes and a scar on her right knee. Its profile gives her height as approximately 5ft 7in and her weight as around 145 pounds, although her appearance may have changed.

The agency also lists five aliases, including Mary Carole Carroll and Mary Carroll McDonald.

McDonnell remains wanted on federal bank fraud and aggravated identity theft charges. The FBI's public notice does not report an arrest, and its belief that she is in Dubai is not confirmation of her whereabouts.

Anyone with information can contact a local FBI office or the nearest US embassy or consulate. The bureau also accepts tips through its official website or on 1-800-CALL-FBI (1-800-225-5324). The reward of up to $150,000 (£112,440) applies to information leading to McDonnell's arrest and conviction.