Robert Repella: Former biotech CEO pleads guilty in US college admissions scandal

Repella faces 10 months in prison and a $40,000 fine

Another parent has pleaded guilty in the US college admissions scandal, this time a former biotech CEO.

Robert Repella, 61, pleaded guilty to a judge in Boston after agreeing to cooperate with authorities in an ongoing investigation into college admissions fraud.

Repella - formerly the CEO of Harmony Biosciences - admitted that he paid a tennis coach $50,000 to secure his daughter a spot at Georgetown University. He pleaded guilty to conspiracy to commit mail fraud and honest services mail fraud.

Reuters reported that as a result of Repella accepting the plea deal, prosecutors will recommend that he be sentenced to 10 months in prison and a $40,000 fine.

Repella maintains that his daughter was unaware of his scheme and that she is currently in "good standing" at Georgetown University.

Repella is the latest parent caught up in the scandal to plead guilty. On Friday, "Full House" star Lori Loughlin and her husband, Mossimo Giannulli, pleaded guilty for their part in the scandal.

"Desperate Housewives" actress Felicity Huffman received a 14-day prison sentence for her involvement.

Altogether, 55 people - including 38 parents - are wrapped up in the college admissions scandal.

William "Rick" Singer, a consultant, pleaded guilty in March 2019 for bribing people to secure college admissions for the celebrities' children, and for facilitating cheating on a college exam.

Mr Repella was one of the few parents who did not participate in Mr Singer's scheme. He was implicated when he paid tennis coach Gordon Ernst, who prosecutors claim took bribes from Mr Singer.

Mr Ernst has pleaded not guilty to racketeering and conspiracy charges.