Update:
Lor Loughlin has left the court after her initial hearing. She didn't speak to the cameras and neither she nor her lawyer have made a public statement since her initial arrest. She was not asked to make an official plea.
Original Story:
The latest development in the college admissions scandal (dubbed Operation Varsity Blues) comes to us today. Felicity Huffman and Lori Loughlin are set to appear in Boston federal court this Wednesday.
In March of this year, 50 parents were charged with fraud and bribery in order to get their children into high-ranking colleges. The operation was allegedly run by William Rick Singer, founder of the Key Worldwide Foundation charity, which was reportedly being used as a front for the operation. He would allegedly bribe the SAT and ACT administrators to create fake profiles for the students.
According to the released court records, Huffman reportedly gave $15,000 to make sure her daughter made it past the entrance exams. She considered repeating the scam for her second daughter, but she decided against it. Loughlin and her husband, meanwhile, paid 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 the crew -- thereby facilitating their admission to USC."
Since then, the accounts of students involved have been put on hold, Loughlin has lost her roles in currently-running shows and Loughlin's daughter has lost several corporate endorsements.
Huffman, Loughlin, her fashion designer husband, Mossimo Giannulli, and other parents involved in the conspiracy are expected to stand in court this Wednesday afternoon.
In addition to facing criminal charges, the accused could be facing tax penalties if they're found guilty. Huffman is being charged with paying "$15,000 disguised as a tax-deductible charitable donation" to Singer's charity organization according to Fox News.
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