Lori Loughlin, Felicity Huffman & More in the College Admissions Scandal — Where Are They Now?
Lori Loughlin and fellow star Felicity Huffman were involved in an academic scam connected to William Rick Singer. The case concerned 50 people in total and is beginning to die down now. Here is how far they have gone.
It’s been over a year since the college scam crime of some parents, including stars like Felicity Huffman and Lori Loughlin, became public knowledge and a viral occurrence.
The accused persons had court processions that had different endings. While Loughlin and her spouse, Mossimo Giannulli, had a prolonged legal procession, Huffman’s was swift.
Lori Loughlin and Mossimo Giannulli as they left the John Joseph Moakley on August 27, 2019 | Photo: Getty Images
It all started in March 2019 when the news got out that some celebrities and coaches were indicted over a college scam scandal where false documents were presented to get their kids into college.
“Full House” alum Loughlin and her fashion designer hubby, Giannulli, were caught up in the scam where they paid $500,000 as a bribe to William Singer to help get their daughters, Isabella Rose and Olivia Jade, into the University of Southern California.
Lori Loughlin at the 2018 Hallmark Channel Summer TCA at a private residence on July 26, 2018 | Photo: Getty Images
On her part, Huffman paid $15,000 in the guise of a charitable contribution, which turned out to be a way to cheat through the college entrance exam. Huffman did this for her eldest daughter, Sophia.
Huffman, who starred in “When They See Us,” pleaded guilty on May 13 and was given a 14-day sentence, 12 months of supervised release, and a fine of $20,000.
So far, their family and close friends have shown immense support pending the time the pair would be freed.
Felicity Huffman attends the 12th Annual Women in Film Oscar Nominees Party on February 22, 2019 | Photo: Getty Images.
Huffman made it known that she improved Sophia’s SAT scores. Loughlin and her husband pleaded not guilty after Huffman owned up to the crimes committed.
They later agreed to a plea deal in May 2020, and by August, the couple faced the jury through virtual means due to the novel coronavirus pandemic.
Felicity Huffman leaves the John Joseph Moakley United States Courthouse on April 3, 2019.| Photo: Getty Images
In her emotional statement, Loughlin stated that she made an “awful decision” by going along with a plan to get her daughters into college via unmerited means. She also stated that she realized her actions had undermined her daughters' skills.
Loughlin was sentenced to two months in prison, a $150,000 fine, 100 hours of community service, and two years of supervised release. Her spouse was given a five-month sentence, $250,000 fine, two years release with supervision, and 250 hours of community service.
Actress Lori Loughlin on the set of "When Calls the Heart" TV series on February 20, 2014 | Photo: Getty Images
Singer, who was said to be at the helm of affairs during the scam discovery, gathered up to $25 million from the 30 parents involved in the scam case. He is yet to be sentenced but faces up to 65 years in jail.
Presently, Huffman is done with her sentence and picking up the pieces of her life. Her community service was dedicated to helping homeless teenagers.
Designer Mossimo Giannulli and actress Lori Loughlin at LACMA's 50th Anniversary Gala sponsored by Christie's at LACMA on April 18, 2015 | Photo: Getty Images
Loughlin was released before New Year's Eve while her husband Giannulli is still serving his jail term and expects to be out sometime in March 2021.
According to an insider, Loughlin made friends while jailed. The source also shared that her fellow inmates were happy with Loughlin’s presence because officials were even more painstaking about the COVID-19 pandemic.
Loughlin and Giannulli plan to move forward after the trying times are over. So far, their family and close friends have shown immense support during their fall from grace.