The largest college admissions scam to date was uncovered on Tuesday. 33 parents were charged with bribing their children’s way into college. These parents paid an estimated $25 million to insure their children’s admissions. 17 others were charged including coaches and test administrators.
The most prominent parents involved in this case are Felicity Huffman and Lori Loughlin.
Huffman, best known for her role in Desperate Housewives, was accused of paying an SAT administrator to correct her daughter’s test answers. Huffman was arrested Tuesday morning. Her bond was set at $250,000 and she surrendered her passport.
Loughlin, who starred in Full House and its sequel Fuller House, was accused of paying $500,000 to insure her two daughters spots on the crew team at USC, despite having no evidence of them ever playing. Loughlin turned herself in to the police Wednesday morning. AP News announced later that day that Loughlin posted $1 million bail.
William Singer is alleged to be the ringleader of the scam. Singer plead guilty on Tuesday to charges for racketeering conspiracy, money laundering conspiracy, conspiracy to defraud the United States and obstruction of justice. He was released on bail the same day, but could face up to 65 years in prison. Singer was laundering money through his charity foundation, “Key Worldwide.” Parents would make payments to him disguised as donations to his charity.
The case is still ongoing and there could potentially be more parents and coaches involved, so stay tuned for updates.
Sources: New York Times, CNN, Fox News, Town and Country, Associated Press
Images: Wikipedia
