The ex-chief of a California firm that created true crime television programs has been included in the FBI’s Most Wanted list, a number of years after being accused of presenting herself as a wealthy heir to obtain millions of dollars from creditors.
TL;DR
- Ex-chief of Bellum Entertainment, Mary Carole McDonnell, is on FBI's Most Wanted list.
- Accused of defrauding financial institutions of over $15 million by falsely claiming heir status.
- She allegedly posed as a wealthy heir to secure a $14.7 million loan.
- McDonnell is believed to be in Dubai; whereabouts remain unknown.
The FBI stated on December 5th that Mary Carole McDonnell, aged 73, is thought to be in Dubai, United Arab Emirates.
McDonnell previously served as the chief executive for Bellum Entertainment LLC, a Burbank, California-based company responsible for creating programs like “It Takes a Killer” and “I Married a Murderer.”.
In 2017, Bellum encountered fiscal difficulties. Court filings indicate that McDonnell secured a loan of $14.7 million from a financial institution by falsely asserting a familial connection to the founders of McDonnell Douglas, a prominent firm in aviation and aerospace, and by stating she possessed $28 million in a trust fund.
“It is alleged that McDonnell also defrauded additional financial institutions in a similar fashion, with an estimated loss of over $15 million,” the FBI said.
In 2018, a grand jury brought charges of fraud and identity theft against McDonnell. Her whereabouts remain unknown. The legal proceedings are taking place in the federal court located in Santa Ana, California.
