FBI Hunts Ex-TV Chief in Multi-Million Dollar Case

Federal authorities are on the hunt for Mary Carole McDonnell, formerly the chief executive of television production company Bellum Entertainment. McDonnell is wanted in connection with a large-scale fraud case involving millions of dollars. She was indicted in the U.S. District Court for the Central District of California in December 2018 on charges including bank fraud and aggravated identity theft.

Investigators allege that between July 2017 and May 2018, McDonnell devised a scheme to defraud financial institutions. She is accused of falsely presenting herself as an heir to a significant trust and fabricating documents to secure a $15 million loan from Banc of California, from which she allegedly received nearly $14.7 million. This amount was reportedly obtained through fraudulent means and was not repaid.

The FBI now believes McDonnell has fled to Dubai, United Arab Emirates. She is described as a 5-foot-7-inch white female, weighing 145 pounds, with blonde hair, blue eyes, and a scar on her right knee. Authorities have issued a federal arrest warrant for her and are urging anyone with information regarding her location to contact their local FBI office or the nearest American embassy or consulate.