Woman wanted by FBI for allegedly defrauding Banc of California

A 73-year-old woman accused of defrauding the Banc of California of about $14.7 million nearly a decade ago remains wanted by the FBI.

Mary Carole McDonnell is suspected of multiple fraud schemes beginning in July of 2017 that continued until at least May of 2018 throughout Orange and L.A. counties, federal officials said Saturday.

Investigators said they believe that McDonnell also defrauded additional financial institutions in a “similar fashion,” with an estimated loss of more than $15 million.

FBI officials stated “McDonnell falsely claims to be an heir to the McDonnell Aircraft Family, with an $80 million secret trust to which she will have access.”

In December 2018, a federal arrest warrant was issued for McDonnell after she was charged on suspicion of bank fraud and aggravated Identity theft.

She is described as 5 feet, 7 inches tall and around 145 pounds, with blond hair, blue eyes and a scar on her right knee. McDonnell goes by many aliases such as Mary Carole Carroll, Mary Carol McDonnell, Mary Carroll McDonnell, Mary C. Carroll and Mary Carroll McDonald, officials said.

It is believed McDonnell is currently in Dubai, United Arab Emirates, but has ties to Los Angeles and Montgomery, Alabama.

Her last known occupation was the chief executive officer of Bellum Entertainment Group. An online search indicates that the company, formerly known as LongNeedle Entertainment, was a Burbank-based television production and distribution company founded by McDonnell in 2004. It dissolved in 2017 due to “unresolved financial issues.”

Authorities urged anyone with information regarding McDonnell’s whereabouts to call a local FBI office or the nearest American Embassy or Consulate.

Anonymous tips can be submitted online.