FBI Seeks 73‑Year‑Old Michigan Woman Accused of $30 Million Bank Fraud

On December 9, 2025, the FBI announced that it is actively searching for 73‑year‑old Mary Carole McDonnell, a Michigan resident who allegedly posed as an heiress and siphoned nearly $30 million from banks and other financial institutions.

Who is Mary Carole McDonnell?

Mary Carole McDonnell is a Michigan woman who has operated under several different names. She is believed to be living in Dubai, according to the FBI. The agency has linked her to a large‑scale fraud scheme that began in July 2017 and continued until May 2018. During that period, McDonnell allegedly attempted to obtain money, funds, assets and property owned by Bank of California, a Los Angeles‑headquartered financial institution.

The Fraud Scheme

The FBI’s statement details how McDonnell, then the chief executive officer of the now‑defunct Burbank production company Bellum Entertainment LLC, used her position to defraud banks. Bellum Entertainment was struggling to meet its financial obligations, and federal indictments and civil complaints indicate that McDonnell owed more than $1 million to creditors.

According to the FBI, McDonnell “through this scheme, fraudulently obtained a total of approximately $14.7 million from the bank to which she knew she was not entitled and has not paid back.” The agency further claims that she also defrauded additional financial institutions in a similar fashion, with an estimated loss of over $15 million.

The scheme involved false statements and the use of fraudulent documents. McDonnell’s alleged claims of an $80 million secret trust were fabricated, and she used that narrative to convince lenders to release large sums of money. The total amount of money she is said to have taken from banks and other financial institutions is nearly $30 million.

Legal Proceedings

A federal arrest warrant was issued in December 2018 after McDonnell was charged with bank fraud and aggravated identity theft. The indictment was part of a broader effort by the FBI to hold individuals accountable for large‑scale financial crimes. The warrant remains in effect, and the FBI is continuing its search for McDonnell.

The case also involves civil complaints filed by creditors who claim that McDonnell owes them more than $1 million. These complaints are part of a larger pattern of financial misconduct that has attracted federal attention.

Connections to McDonnell Aircraft

The FBI’s claim that McDonnell posed as an heiress to the McDonnell Aircraft family ties her narrative to a real and historic company. The McDonnell Aircraft Corporation, founded in 1939, became McDonnell Douglas after a 1967 merger. NBC News reached out to the James S. McDonnell Foundation for comment, but the foundation has not yet released a statement.

Current Status

While the FBI believes McDonnell is living in Dubai, her exact whereabouts remain unknown. The agency has issued a public alert and is encouraging anyone with information to come forward. The FBI has not released a photo of McDonnell, but the agency has provided a description of the woman’s physical appearance and the aliases she has used.

Key Takeaways

• The FBI is actively searching for Mary Carole McDonnell, a 73‑year‑old Michigan woman accused of defrauding nearly $30 million from banks.
• McDonnell used multiple aliases and claimed to control an $80 million secret trust tied to the McDonnell Aircraft family.
• The fraud scheme began in July 2017 and ended in May 2018, involving false claims and fraudulent documents.
• A federal arrest warrant was issued in December 2018 on charges of bank fraud and aggravated identity theft.
• McDonnell is believed to be living in Dubai, and the FBI has issued a public alert for anyone with information.

The FBI’s pursuit of Mary Carole McDonnell highlights the ongoing efforts to combat sophisticated financial fraud. As the investigation continues, the agency remains vigilant in its search for the woman who allegedly orchestrated one of the largest bank fraud schemes in recent memory.