Lori Loughlin in court: Celebrities including Felicity Huffman appear for college admissions scandal hearing
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Your support makes all the difference.Hollywood starlets Felicity Huffman and Lori Loughlin made their first courtroom appearance at a Boston federal Court alongside 13 other parents charged with a nationwide college admission cheating scandal.
Huffman and Loughlin appeared before Magistrate Judge Page Kelly on Wednesday for felony charges that they bribed and cheated exams in order to get their daughters accepted into elite universities.
The defendants have been charged with conspiracy to commit mail fraud and honest services mail fraud in a large-scale scheme prosecutors called "Operation Varsity Blues."
Prosecutors said wealthy parents paid a college preparatory business to cheat on standardised tests or bribe coaches into helping them get their child accepted into highly competitive universities ranging from Georgetown University, Yale University, and the University of Southern California.
Huffman paid $15,000 to William Rick Singer, the orchestrator behind the scheme, to have her son's SAT exams rigged. Loughlin paid $500,000 for her two daughters to be considered as recruits to the University of Southern California's crew team. Neither of her daughters ever rowed competitively.
The court appearances for the Hollywood defendants lasted mere minutes.
When Loughlin, and her husband, fashion designer Mossimo Giannulli, was called to appear before the judge, she smiled and reached over to shake the hands of the three prosecutors that brought the felony charges against her.
When asked if they understand the charges and the terms of conditions for their release, both Loughlin and Huffman said they understood.
Ms Kelly said that international travel is prohibited unless it is required for business. The defendants are required to turn in their passports to the probation's office. Loughlin's attorney said she already turned her passport over to her pretrial supervisor in California.
The defendants are also not allowed to take narcotic drugs unless prescribed, possess firearms, and have direct or indirect contact with victims or witnesses — unless there is a lawyer present.
Ms Kelly rejected a request to prohibit parens from discussing the case with their children, saying it is unrealistic.
Actor William H. Macy, Huffman's husband, was not charged in the case despite a FBI affidavit describing the actress's "spouse" also participated in the scheme. He also did not appear in court.
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Federal prosecutor Eric Rosen said it is "problematic" for parents to discuss what they know about the case with their children since they are considered "potential witnesses."
Both Huffman and Loughlin had their passports seized and cannot travel unless without valid business reasons.
Loughlin reached over the aisle and shook hands with the three prosecutors who brought charges against her.
Loughlin and fashion designer Mossimo Giannulli, her husband, are told their rights by the Judge Kelly. When asked if she understands, Loughlin says "Yes I do."
The judge tells Loughlin and Giannulli that they can now sign their bail conditions and are free to leave the courtroom.
A source told TMZ that Loughlin and Huffman are likely to receive prison time with or without a plea deal.
After being read her rights, Huffman is chatting with her lawyers while signing her bail papers. She is told that once she is finished signing. She is free to leave the court room.
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