FBI ADDS MARY CAROLE MCDONNELL TO MOST WANTED FRAUDSTERS LIST OVER ALLEGED $14.7 MILLION BANK FRAUD SCHEME

LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA — The Federal Bureau of Investigation has added a Southern California woman to its Most Wanted Fraudsters list in connection with an alleged multimillion-dollar bank fraud scheme involving false claims of a substantial family inheritance. Mary Carole McDonnell, who is believed to be residing in Dubai, United Arab Emirates, is wanted on federal charges of bank fraud and aggravated identity theft. The FBI is offering a reward of up to $150,000 for information leading to her arrest and conviction.

The announcement was made October 14, 2026, by Patrick Grandy, Assistant Director in Charge of the FBI’s Los Angeles Field Office. McDonnell has been wanted since December 2018, when a federal arrest warrant was issued following charges filed in the United States District Court for the Central District of California in Santa Ana.

According to federal investigators, McDonnell allegedly participated in a scheme between July 2017 and May 2018 to fraudulently obtain money and other assets belonging to Banc of California. Authorities allege that she obtained approximately $14.7 million from the financial institution through fraudulent representations and failed to repay the funds.

The FBI also suspects McDonnell of defrauding additional financial institutions through similar conduct, placing the estimated losses associated with her alleged activities at more than $15 million.

A central component of the case involves McDonnell’s representations concerning her family background and supposed access to a substantial inheritance. Investigators report that she falsely claimed to be an heiress to the McDonnell aircraft family and asserted that she would receive money from a secret trust valued at approximately $80 million.

Claims involving large inheritances can be used in financial fraud to establish an appearance of considerable personal wealth or future repayment capacity. When presented to financial institutions, such representations may influence assessments of a borrower’s financial standing, available assets, or ability to satisfy financial obligations.

McDonnell’s alleged conduct occurred in Los Angeles and Orange counties, two major financial and commercial centers in Southern California. Federal investigators believe she subsequently left the country and may currently be living in Dubai.

The FBI has identified several aliases associated with McDonnell, including Mary Carole Carroll, Mary Carol McDonnell, Mary Carroll McDonnell, Mary C. Carroll, and Mary Carroll McDonald.

Her official wanted notice lists her date of birth as December 28, 1951, and her birthplace as Missouri. She is described as approximately 5 feet 7 inches tall, weighing 145 pounds, with blonde hair and blue eyes. Investigators also identify a scar on her right knee as a distinguishing physical characteristic.

The Bureau notes that McDonnell could have changed her appearance since the photographs used in its wanted materials were taken. Her known geographic connections include Los Angeles, California; Montgomery, Alabama; and Dubai, United Arab Emirates.

Additional information contained in the FBI’s wanted notice identifies McDonnell as the former chief executive officer of Bellum Entertainment. Her previous executive position is included among the identifying details that could assist individuals familiar with her professional background.

Bank fraud is a serious federal offense under 18 U.S.C. § 1344, which addresses schemes intended to defraud financial institutions or obtain bank-controlled money and property through materially false representations. Aggravated identity theft, addressed under 18 U.S.C. § 1028A, concerns the unlawful use of another person’s identifying information during and in relation to certain qualifying felony offenses.

The filing of these charges does not establish that McDonnell committed the offenses. Federal prosecutors would be required to prove the applicable elements of each charge in court.

McDonnell’s suspected presence in the United Arab Emirates adds an international dimension to the effort to locate her. The FBI has confirmed that it is working with international partners, although the October 14 announcement does not identify a specific extradition proceeding or disclose any confirmed location within Dubai.

“It’s just a matter of time before McDonnell is caught as we work with our international partners to locate her,” Grandy stated.

He also encouraged members of the public to come forward with information that might help investigators establish her current whereabouts.

McDonnell is among the latest fugitives added to the FBI’s Most Wanted Fraudsters list, a specialized program launched in June 2026 to focus public attention on individuals wanted in connection with major financial fraud cases.

The initiative operates separately from the FBI’s traditional Ten Most Wanted Fugitives list. It was established to support investigations involving significant financial losses by increasing public visibility of wanted individuals and encouraging cooperation from people who may possess useful information.

The FBI’s San Antonio Field Office also announced the addition of Imer Gomez, a 29-year-old man accused of operating an approximately $10 million investment fraud scheme involving more than 400 alleged victims, during the same week.

The two announcements illustrate the financial crime categories covered by the specialized list. McDonnell is wanted in connection with alleged bank fraud and aggravated identity theft, while Gomez faces a separate federal wire fraud charge involving investor funds.

The reward authorized in McDonnell’s case is substantial, but payment is conditional. The Bureau is offering up to $150,000 for information leading to her arrest and conviction, rather than guaranteeing compensation for every tip or reported sighting.

The investigation involving McDonnell was conducted by the FBI, and the criminal prosecution is being handled by the United States Attorney’s Office for the Central District of California.

Anyone with information about McDonnell’s whereabouts is encouraged to contact the FBI at 1-800-CALL-FBI (1-800-225-5324). Information may also be submitted to a local FBI field office or through the nearest United States embassy or consulate.

The Bureau continues to seek public assistance in locating McDonnell, whose federal case remains unresolved more than seven years after the arrest warrant was issued.

Mary Carole McDonnell remains wanted on federal bank fraud and aggravated identity theft charges. She has not been convicted in connection with the allegations described in the FBI’s announcement and is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.

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