Table Of Contents
Introduction
Mary Carole McDonnell is a federal fugitive wanted by the FBI on charges of bank fraud and aggravated identity theft.
A former television producer known for true crime programming, she is accused of orchestrating a sophisticated fraud scheme in which she falsely presented herself as a wealthy heiress to obtain substantial loans from financial institutions.
This case exemplifies the complexity and scale of certain white-collar crimes, involving elaborate deception and significant financial impact.
The following dossier provides a detailed overview of her background, the allegations, and her current status as a wanted individual.
Background And Professional Career
Mary Carole McDonnell was born on December 28, 1951, in Michigan, United States.
She established herself in the entertainment industry as the Chief Executive Officer of Bellum Entertainment LLC, a production company based in Burbank, California.
Bellum Entertainment specialized in syndicated true crime and investigative programming, producing series such as Corrupt Crimes, Murderous Affairs, It Takes a Killer, and I Married a Murderer.
These programs examined real-life cases involving fraud, deception, and criminal conduct.
While the company achieved some visibility in the syndication market, it reportedly faced financial challenges, including delayed payments to staff and contractors, some of whom later pursued legal claims for unpaid compensation.
The Allegations
Federal authorities allege that between July 2017 and May 2018, McDonnell approached multiple financial institutions in Los Angeles and Orange Counties, California.
She reportedly claimed to be an heir to the McDonnell Aircraft fortune, the family behind McDonnell Aircraft Corporation, which merged with Douglas Aircraft to form McDonnell Douglas, a major aerospace manufacturer.
Prosecutors state that McDonnell falsely represented that she had access to an $80 million secret trust that would soon be released to her.
Using this fabricated inheritance claim, she obtained large loans and lines of credit.
The scheme is alleged to have secured approximately $14.7 million from Banc of California alone, with additional funds from other lenders bringing the total to nearly $30 million.
Authorities contend that McDonnell had no legitimate claim to such a trust and no intention of repaying the loans.
In December 2018, a federal grand jury in the Central District of California returned an indictment charging her with bank fraud and aggravated identity theft.
A federal arrest warrant was issued on December 12, 2018.
McDonnell has remained at large since that time.
Identifying Information And Possible Locations
McDonnell has used multiple name variations, which may help her avoid detection.
The following table summarizes key details:
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Mary Carole McDonnell |
| Known Aliases | Mary Carole Carroll, Mary Carol McDonnell, Mary Carroll McDonnell, Mary C. Carroll, Mary Carroll McDonald |
| Date of Birth | December 28, 1951 |
| Place of Birth | Michigan, United States |
| Height | 5’7″ |
| Weight | Approximately 145 pounds |
| Hair | Blonde |
| Eyes | Blue |
| Race/Sex | White / Female |
| Nationality | American |
| Distinguishing Marks | Scar on right knee |
| Possible Locations | Los Angeles, California; Montgomery, Alabama; Dubai, United Arab Emirates |
Authorities believe she may be residing in Dubai, United Arab Emirates, where some fugitives seek refuge.
Current Status
As of the latest available information, Mary Carole McDonnell remains wanted by the FBI.
The case remains active, with federal authorities seeking information that could lead to her arrest.
Individuals with information about her whereabouts are encouraged to contact their local FBI office or the nearest U.S. Embassy or Consulate, or to submit a tip online through official FBI channels.
Notable Detail
In an ironic parallel, McDonnell’s production company created multiple true crime series that explored cases of fraud and deception, subjects that closely mirror the allegations she now faces.
Conclusion
The case of Mary Carole McDonnell illustrates the elaborate methods sometimes employed in large-scale financial fraud and the challenges law enforcement faces in apprehending white-collar fugitives.
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