Mary Carole McDonnell, the former chief executive of television production company Bellum Entertainment, is wanted by the FBI in a federal fraud case involving millions of dollars. Prosecutors allege she falsely claimed access to an $80 million trust and used fabricated trust-company documents to obtain a $15 million loan. Investigators believe she fled to Dubai after receiving about $14.7 million from Banc of California. Former television host Antonio Sabato Jr., who worked on one of Bellum’s programs, said he was shocked to learn about the allegations.
| 1) | The federal case against the former executive |
| 2) | The alleged trust and loan scheme |
| 3) | The investigation and reported Dubai whereabouts |
| 4) | A former host reacts to the allegations |
| 5) | What authorities are asking the public to do |
The federal case against the former executive
Federal prosecutors indicted Mary Carole McDonnell in 2018 in the U.S. District Court for the Central District of California. The indictment includes five counts of bank fraud and two counts of aggravated identity theft. Investigators say the alleged conduct occurred in Los Angeles and Orange counties between July 2017 and May 2018.
According to the FBI, McDonnell allegedly devised a scheme to obtain money, assets and property belonging to Banc of California. The allegations remain accusations, and a defendant is presumed innocent unless proven guilty in court. A federal arrest warrant was issued on December 12, 2018.
The alleged trust and loan scheme
Investigators allege that McDonnell presented herself as an heir to the McDonnell Aircraft family and claimed she would eventually receive access to an $80 million secret trust. Prosecutors say she supported the claims with fabricated documents connected to a trust company.
The FBI says those representations helped her secure approximately $14.7 million from Banc of California, despite her allegedly knowing that she was not authorized to receive the funds and would not repay them. Investigators further allege that similar methods were used to defraud other financial institutions of more than $15 million.
The investigation and reported Dubai whereabouts
The FBI’s active wanted notice states that investigators believe McDonnell is currently in Dubai. The agency describes her as a white female, approximately 5 feet 7 inches tall and 145 pounds, with blonde hair, blue eyes and a scar on her right knee.
The reported location follows the California indictment and arrest warrant. Authorities have not announced that she has been arrested or returned to the United States. The FBI has asked anyone with information about her whereabouts to contact a local FBI office or the nearest American embassy or consulate.
A former host reacts to the allegations
Antonio Sabato Jr. hosted, created and produced Bellum’s syndicated home-renovation program “Fix It & Finish It.” He said he was not involved in the company’s finances and had no firsthand knowledge of the allegations. He also said that federal investigators never contacted him after the indictment was filed.
The program sent a small crew from city to city to renovate homes for families in need. Sabato described the work as demanding but meaningful, with the team completing a different home project each weekday.
“I didn’t know anything at all until you guys called.”
Sabato said he remembered McDonnell as a polished executive who discussed Bellum’s programs and the renovation series during meetings at the company’s Burbank office. He said the show’s abrupt cancellation had puzzled him for years.
“It felt weird. And I said, something’s going on. I just felt something was up.”
What authorities are asking the public to do
Authorities are seeking information that could help locate McDonnell and advance the federal case. Members of the public are advised to provide tips through their local FBI office or a U.S. embassy or consulate rather than attempting to approach her directly.
The FBI, Banc of California and the federal district court were contacted for comment, while an attorney for McDonnell was not immediately available. No additional response from McDonnell was provided in the available account.
| Number | Key Point |
|---|---|
| 1 | McDonnell was indicted on bank fraud and aggravated identity theft charges in 2018. |
| 2 | Prosecutors allege she used false trust claims and fabricated documents to obtain millions. |
| 3 | The FBI believes she may be in Dubai and is seeking public assistance. |
| 4 | Former host Antonio Sabato Jr. said he was unaware of the case while working at Bellum. |
Summary
The FBI is seeking Mary Carole McDonnell in connection with a federal fraud case alleging that she misrepresented an $80 million trust and obtained roughly $14.7 million from a bank. The former Bellum executive was indicted in 2018, and investigators believe she fled to Dubai. The allegations have also changed how former colleague Antonio Sabato Jr. views the sudden cancellation of his renovation program, although he said he had no knowledge of the alleged financial conduct at the time.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is Mary Carole McDonnell?
She is the former chief executive of Bellum Entertainment, a television production company that produced true-crime programming and a home-renovation series.
What is she accused of doing?
Federal prosecutors accuse her of bank fraud and aggravated identity theft, including allegedly using false claims about an $80 million trust to obtain millions of dollars.
Where do investigators believe she is?
The FBI’s wanted notice says investigators believe she is currently in Dubai.
How can the public provide information?
People with information can contact their local FBI office or the nearest American embassy or consulate.
