At a Glance
- FBI releases most-wanted bulletin for 73-year-old Mary Carole McDonnell, accused of defrauding banks of $30 million and leaving employees unpaid.
- McDonnell allegedly posed as an heir to the McDonnell aircraft family to secure an $80 million trust.
- Bellum Entertainment, once a production house with up to 30 shows, abruptly shut down in 2017, leaving staff unpaid.
Why it matters: The case links a former TV producer to a multi-million-dollar fraud scheme that also impacted workers and banks, exposing gaps in corporate oversight.
Bellum Entertainment’s Collapse
Bellum Entertainment was once a bustling production house with up to 30 shows, including It Takes a Killer and Murderous Affairs. In 2017, payroll issues surfaced, and the company abruptly shut down, leaving employees unpaid.
- Up to 30 shows in production or development
- Payroll problems began in 2017
- Company closed abruptly after a planned break
McDonnell’s Fraud Allegations
The FBI indictment alleges that from July 2017 to May 2018, McDonnell used forged documents and claimed access to an $80 million trust fund as part of her scheme. She is charged with bank fraud, aggravated identity theft, and conspiracy to defraud.
- Indicted in 2018 on bank fraud and aggravated identity theft
- $30 million stolen from California banks
- $80 million trust falsely claimed as inheritance
Employee Accounts
Former Bellum staffers report bounced checks and unpaid wages. Lawsuits filed in Los Angeles County and claims filed with the California Labor Commissioner’s Office highlight the scale of the payroll crisis.
- Jeff Nimoy – owed $16,650 in back pay
- Carlos Franco – won $12,395, still owed $1,250
- Aaron Cadieux – pending $2,000 invoice
Jeff Nimoy stated:
> “Everybody was right, and I was wrong.”
Current Status
McDonnell is now a fugitive, believed to be in Dubai, and the FBI has issued a most-wanted bulletin. The agency seeks public assistance after new evidence suggests continued fraud abroad.
FBI spokesperson Laura Eimiller stated:
> “Publicity is an investigative tool.”
| Event | Date | Detail |
|---|---|---|
| Payroll issues start | 2017 | Bellum employees filed wage claims |
| Federal indictment | 2018 | McDonnell charged with bank fraud |
| Arrest warrant | Dec 12 2018 | Warrant issued |
| Most-wanted bulletin | 2023 | FBI releases bulletin |
Key Takeaways
- McDonnell faces charges for defrauding banks of $30 million.
- Bellum Entertainment left employees unpaid and filed wage claims.
- The FBI seeks public help to locate McDonnell, believed to be in Dubai.
The case underscores how corporate misconduct can ripple through workers, banks, and law enforcement, leaving a trail of unpaid wages and legal action.
