We’ve actually become used to celebrity and money being able to buy your way out of almost any situation. When Felicity Huffman and Lori Loughlin were one of several people mentioned in the college bribery scandal, many people thought their clout would get them off with a basic slap on the wrist due to their clout. As it turns out, their clout may be one of the reasons prosecutors want to make an example out of them.
Prosecutors are very much aware of the spotlight on the case and this is why prosecutors are determined to see the American Crime and Fuller House actors spend some time behind bars if they are found guilty, even if the two try to reach a plea deal. The charges Huffman and Loughlin face carry a potential maximum sentence of five years.
In reality, even if the duo does receive prison time, it won’t be nearly as much as the maximum sentence. Law enforcement indicates that the actors are more than likely looking at a penalty of somewhere around six months to just under two years. The actual time sentenced and potential probation and fines could, in no small part, depend on how much the duo cooperate with the ongoing probe.
The indictments, made public March 12, saw 50 people charged in the nationwide $25 million scam by William Singer and his phony Key Worldwide Foundation. They promised to fast-track the kids of the wealthy to top schools with fake athletic credentials or phony SAT scores. Among the 33 parents arrested, Huffman and Loughlin are being charged with conspiracy to commit mail fraud and honest services fraud, according to the unsealed indictment.
As part of a year-long investigation by the feds, Loughlin and her fashion designer husband Mossimo Giannulli were snared after being caught paying “bribes totaling $500,000 in exchange for having their two daughters designated as recruits to the USC crew team — despite the fact that they did not participate in crew.
Huffman “made a purported charitable contribution of $15,000 to participate in the college entrance exam cheating scheme on behalf of her eldest daughter,” according to the lengthy March 6 indictment. Huffman also paid an undisclosed sum to an individual who “controlled” a Los Angeles SAT testing center to fix her daughter’s incorrect exam answers. That effort led to a massive increase in the daughter’s test score and consequently admission to a top college.
