75-year-old ‘fake heiress’ added to FBI’s new Most Wanted Fraudsters list
Por Brittney Donovan — – World RSS Feed
75-year-old ‘fake heiress’ added to FBI’s new Most Wanted Fraudsters list
She allegedly obtained approximately $14.7 million from one bank and defrauded other financial institutions
Brittney Donovan Wednesday 14 October 2026 17:10 EDT
- Bookmark
Bookmark popover
Removed from bookmarks
Close popover
open image in gallery
Become an Independent member to bookmark this article
Want to bookmark your favourite articles and stories to read or reference later? Start your Independent Membership today.
Already a member?
Log in
The latest headlines from our reporters across the US sent straight to your inbox each weekday
Your briefing on the latest headlines from across the US
Your briefing on the latest headlines from across the US
I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our Privacy notice
A 75-year-old woman who allegedly posed as an heiress has been added to the FBI‘s new Most Wanted Fraudsters list after being accused of defrauding banks in Los Angeles and Orange counties out of millions of dollars.
A reward of $150,000 is available for information resulting in the arrest and conviction of Mary Carole McDonnell, who is also wanted on identity theft charges.
According to Assistant Director in Charge of the FBI’s Los Angeles Field Office Patrick Grandy, McDonnell extracted roughly $14.7 million from a single bank alongside defrauding other financial institutions.
“McDonnell has falsely claimed to be an heiress to the McDonnell aircraft family, with an $80 million secret trust to which she will have access,” the FBI said in a statement.
“In December 2018, a federal arrest warrant was issued for McDonnell in the United States District Court, Central District of California, Santa Ana, California, after she was charged with bank fraud and aggravated identity theft. It is believed McDonnell is currently in Dubai.”
open image in galleryShe is reported to have used several aliases, including Mary Carole Carroll, Mary Carol McDonnell, Mary Carroll McDonnell, Mary C. Carroll, and Mary Carroll McDonald.
McDonnell is described as white, 5-feet-7 inches tall, weighing approximately 145 pounds, with blond hair, blue eyes, and a scar on her right knee. The FBI noted her physical appearance may have altered over the years.
She maintains personal or professional ties to Los Angeles, Montgomery, Alabama, and Dubai, United Arab Emirates.
“McDonnell is wanted for defrauding financial institutions out of millions and is known to have falsified her inheritance and background,” Grandy said.
“It’s just a matter of time before McDonnell is caught as we work with our international partners to locate her. A generous reward is being offered in exchange for information leading to her apprehension and conviction, and a tip from the public might break the case.”
Authorities say McDonnell launched the now-defunct Burbank television production and distribution outfit Bellum Entertainment in 2004, which originally operated as LongNeedle Entertainment and focused on true crime stories.
Her federal indictment occurred in 2018.
Designed specifically to target fugitives sought for major financial crimes, the FBI’s Most Wanted Fraudsters list operates independently from the agency’s well-known Ten Most Wanted Fugitives list.
Anyone possessing details regarding McDonnell’s current whereabouts is asked to notify their regional FBI office or the closest American Embassy or Consulate.
Alternatively, individuals can call the FBI’s toll-free line at 1-80-ALL- FBI or submit information online at tips.fbi.gov.
More about
Most popular
Popular videos
Bulletin
Read next
Fonte: – World RSS Feed
