Ex-UCLA coach gets 8 months in prison for admissions scam
FILE - In this March 25, 2019, file photo Jorge Salcedo, former University of California at Los Angeles men's soccer coach, departs federal court in Boston after facing charges in a nationwide college admissions bribery scandal. AdSui was sentenced to time served last year after spending five months in a Spanish prison following her arrest. Salcedo is the third coach sentenced so far in the case. Michael Center, who was a tennis coach at the University of Texas at Austin, got six months while ex-Stanford sailing coach John Vandemoer got one day in prison which he was deemed to have already served. ____This story has been corrected to reflect that Salcedo was a coach at the University of California, Los Angeles not the University of Southern California, Los Angeles.
'Operation Varsity Blues' reenacts and reorients a scandal
NEW YORK – Chris Smith didn’t initially think the 2019 college bribery scandal made for a good documentary subject. He was editing “Fyre,” the hit Netflix documentary about the music-festival fiasco, when his longtime collaborator, Jon Karmen, suggested another real tale of fraud and spectacle be their next film. By shifting the focus, Smith’s “Operation Varsity Blues: The College Admission Scandal,” which debuts Wednesday on Netflix, attempts to reorient center stage in a headline-grabbing drama that has already spawned one Lifetime movie. The documentary, like the scandal, has a dose of Hollywood. “One of the only people that got back to us was John Vandemoer.”Vandemoer, a Stanford University sailing coach, was the first person sentenced in the scandal.
Netflix doc to examine man behind college admissions scandal
This image released by Netflix shows key art for Operation Varsity Blues, a documentary about the college admissions scandal, premiering March 17. (Netflix via AP)LOS ANGELES – A Netflix documentary will use actor recreations of FBI wiretaps to tell the story of Rick Singer, the man at the center of the college admissions scandal that sent actors Felicity Huffman, Lori Loughlin and and several other prominent parents to prison. Netflix announced Monday that “Operation Varsity Blues" will be released on March 17. More than 50 people were charged in the scandal that saw parents pay bribes to have someone cheat on their children’s entrance exams or pretend their kids were star athletes for sports they didn’t play. Singer pleaded guilty to racketeering conspiracy and several other charges, and is expected to testify at defendants' trials.
Oliva Jade Giannulli learning from family college 'mess-up'
FILE - Olivia Jade Giannulli arrives at the 5th annual People Magazine "Ones To Watch" party in Los Angeles on Oct. 4, 2017. Giannulli, the daughter of the Full House actor Lori Loughlin and fashion designer Mossimo Giannulli, discussed on the Facebook Watch series Red Table Talk how shes been affected by the college admissions scandal involving her parents. (Photo by Richard Shotwell/Invision/AP, File)LOS ANGELES – Maybe Olivia Jade Giannulli had hoped for kid-glove treatment in choosing the family vibe of “Red Table Talk” for her first public comments about the college admissions scandal involving her famous parents. Pinkett Smith, who said she had agreed to bring Giannulli on her show over her mother’s objections, struck an understanding tone with her. “No matter what the situation is, you don’t want to see your parents go to prison....
Mossimo Giannulli reports to prison in college bribery case
FILE - In this Aug. 27, 2019, file photo, Lori Loughlin departs federal court in Boston with her husband, Mossimo Giannulli, left, after a hearing in a nationwide college admissions bribery scandal. Giannulli has reported to prison to begin serving his five-month sentence for bribing his daughters way into college. Giannullis wife, Full House actor Lori Loughlin, is already behind bars for her role in the college admissions bribery scheme involving prominent parents and elite schools across the country. (AP Photo/Philip Marcelo, File)BOSTON – Fashion designer Mossimo Giannulli reported to prison on Thursday to begin serving his five-month sentence for bribing his daughters' way into college, officials said. Giannulli's wife, “Full House” actor Lori Loughlin, is already behind bars for her role in the college admissions bribery scheme involving prominent parents and elite schools across the country.
Few parents, coaches still fighting charges in college scam
Just 15 of the nearly 60 people charged in the sordid scheme that rocked the U.S. educational system are still fighting the charges. ___WHO'S LEFTOnly three coaches and 11 parents are still fighting the charges. Six coaches and nearly 30 parents have already agreed to admit to the charges. McGlashan has fiercely denied the charges and says he told Singer he didn't want to participate in the so-called side door scheme. Authorities say their investigation into the wide-ranging scheme is ongoing and charges against new parents keep trickling in.
Loughlin, Giannulli remain silent as they await prison fate
Loughlin and Giannulli will have a chance to address U.S. District Judge Nathaniel Gorton when he decides whether to accept their unusual plea deals with prosecutors, which calls for Loughlin to serve two months in prison and Giannulli to serve five months. Under the plea deal, Giannulli has also agreed to pay a $250,000 fine and perform 250 hours of community service. Loughlin and Giannulli will appear before the Boston federal court judge during separate sentencing hearings held via videoconference because of the coronavirus pandemic. She and Giannulli fiercely fought the allegations for months, with their lawyers accusing prosecutors of withholding evidence that would exonerate them. They may also be concerned that saying the wrong thing could blow up their deal with prosecutors, lawyers say.
Loughlin, Giannulli plead in college scam but await fate
Under their proposed deals, Loughlin, 55, hopes to spend two months in prison and Giannulli, 56, is seeking to serve five months. Loughlin and Giannulli were among dozens of wealthy parents, athletic coaches and others charged last year in the bribery scheme. Prosecutors say they funneled money through a sham charity operated by college admissions consultant Rick Singer, who has pleaded guilty to orchestrating the scheme. Loughlin pleaded guilty to conspiracy to commit wire and mail fraud. Giannulli pleaded guilty to conspiracy to commit wire and mail fraud and honest services wire and mail fraud.
Lori Loughlin, husband to serve prison time for college scam
Loughlin, 55, and Giannulli, 56, are scheduled to plead guilty Friday via video conference before a federal judge in Boston, who must approve the deal. They agreed to plead guilty to conspiracy to commit wire and mail fraud in a plea agreement filed in Bostons federal court. Giannulli will also plead guilty to a charge of honest services wire and mail fraud, prosecutors said. They are the 23rd and 24th parents to plead guilty in the case. Others parents who've been sent to prison for participating in the scam include Desperate Housewives actress Felicity Huffman.
Fear of virus won't save mom in U.S. college admissions scandal from prison
FILE PHOTO: Manuel and Elizabeth Henriquez, facing charges in a nationwide college admissions cheating scheme, enter federal court in Boston, Massachusetts, U.S., April 3, 2019. REUTERS/Brian Snyder/File PhotoFederal prosecutors in Boston say Elizabeth Henriquez and her financier husband, Manuel Henriquez, sought to rig their two daughters college entrance exam results and secure the oldest ones admission to Georgetown University as a fake tennis recruit. William Rick Singer, the consultant, pleaded guilty in March 2019 to charges he facilitated cheating on college entrance exams and helped bribe university sports coaches to present his clients children as fake athletic recruits. Prosecutors said the Henriquezes beginning in 2015 paid Singer nearly $50,000 to have an associate proctor the SAT and ACT college entrance exams for their daughters and feed them answers. Prosecutors said Elizabeth Henriquez also paid $400,000 to have Singer arrange to have a Georgetown tennis coach he was bribing designate her oldest daughter as an athletic recruit.
feeds.reuters.comA year later, prosecutors are winning historic college admissions case but fight isn't over
Authorities say they uncovered a sprawling scheme in which wealthy parents made six-figure payments to Rick Singer, a college consultant from Newport Beach, California. Now, 12 months later, legal experts say the Justice Department has proved successful on several fronts. Parents' defense attorneys have pushed back from the beginning, calling prosecutors overzealous and unfair by misportraying the actions and intent of parents. Instead, attorneys say, these parents believed they were making "legitimate donations" to a nonprofit operated by Singer. In a win for USC parents, federal Magistrate Page Kelley last week ordered USC to disclose unredacted admissions-related emails and other documents subpoenaed by Zangrillo.
ocala.comA year later, prosecutors are winning historic college admissions case but fight isn't over
Authorities say they uncovered a sprawling scheme in which wealthy parents made six-figure payments to Rick Singer, a college consultant from Newport Beach, California. Now, 12 months later, legal experts say the Justice Department has proved successful on several fronts. Parents' defense attorneys have pushed back from the beginning, calling prosecutors overzealous and unfair by misportraying the actions and intent of parents. Instead, attorneys say, these parents believed they were making "legitimate donations" to a nonprofit operated by Singer. In a win for USC parents, federal Magistrate Page Kelley last week ordered USC to disclose unredacted admissions-related emails and other documents subpoenaed by Zangrillo.
news-journalonline.comA year later, prosecutors are winning historic college admissions case but fight isn't over
Authorities say they uncovered a sprawling scheme in which wealthy parents made six-figure payments to Rick Singer, a college consultant from Newport Beach, California. Now, 12 months later, legal experts say the Justice Department has proved successful on several fronts. Parents' defense attorneys have pushed back from the beginning, calling prosecutors overzealous and unfair by misportraying the actions and intent of parents. Instead, attorneys say, these parents believed they were making "legitimate donations" to a nonprofit operated by Singer. In a win for USC parents, federal Magistrate Page Kelley last week ordered USC to disclose unredacted admissions-related emails and other documents subpoenaed by Zangrillo.
dailycommercial.comEx-University of Texas tennis coach gets six months prison for admissions scam
BOSTON (Reuters) - The former mens tennis head coach of the University of Texas at Austin was sentenced on Monday to six months in prison after admitting he accepted $100,000 in bribes as part of a vast U.S. college admissions fraud scheme. Michael Center, the former head coach of the men's tennis team at the University of Texas at Austin, leaves the federal courthouse after being sentenced in connection with a nationwide college admissions cheating scheme in Boston, Massachusetts, U.S., February 24, 2020. U.S. District Judge Richard Stearns declined Centers request for a non-prison sentence, saying his conduct had impugned the publics confidence in the integrity of what should be a merit-based college admissions system. As part of his sentence, Center must also forfeit $60,000. Prosecutors said he accepted another $40,000 in bribes directed to the University of Texas tennis program as donations.
feeds.reuters.comTest administrator pleads guilty, parent faces sentencing over U.S. college scam
BOSTON (Reuters) - A former college entrance exam administrator pleaded guilty to participating in a vast college admissions cheating and fraud scheme on Wednesday, the same day a wealthy parent is set to face sentencing for his role in the scandal. Test administrator Igor Dvorskiy leaves the federal courthouse after being sentenced to probation in connection with a nationwide college admissions cheating scheme in Boston, Massachusetts, U.S., November 13, 2019. William Rick Singer, the consultant, pleaded guilty in March to charges he facilitated cheating on college entrance exams and helped bribe sports coaches at universities to present his clients children as fake athletic recruits. Dvorskiy, 53, who was the director of a private school in Los Angeles, served as a compensated test administrator for the companies that run the SAT and ACT college entrance exams, prosecutors said. Macfarlane, 56, pleaded guilty in June to conspiring to commit mail fraud.
feeds.reuters.comTest administrator pleads guilty, parent faces sentencing over U.S. college scam
BOSTON (Reuters) - A former college entrance exam administrator pleaded guilty to participating in a vast college admissions cheating and fraud scheme on Wednesday, the same day a wealthy parent is set to face sentencing for his role in the scandal. Federal prosecutors in Boston say Igor Dvorskiy accepted nearly $200,000 in bribes to allow corrupt test proctors to secretly alter the answers of SAT and ACT college entrance exams for 20 students at the behest of their parents. William Rick Singer, the consultant, pleaded guilty in March to charges he facilitated cheating on college entrance exams and helped bribe sports coaches at universities to present his clients children as fake athletic recruits. Dvorskiy, 53, who was the director of a private school in Los Angeles, served as a compensated test administrator for the companies that run the SAT and ACT college entrance exams, prosecutors said. Macfarlane, 56, pleaded guilty in June to conspiring to commit mail fraud.
feeds.reuters.comFelicity Huffman Is Released From Prison After Serving 11 Days
Felicity Huffman is out of prison. Huffman, 56, was supposed to be released from the low-security prison on Sunday, which would have been the 13th day of her sentence. RELATED STORIESWas Felicity Huffman's Sentence in the College Scandal the Result of 'White Privilege'? Will Felicity Huffman Get Prison Time for College Admissions Scandal? Felicity Huffman's Daughter 'Has Nightmares' Over Armed Arrest of Mom: Documents
Actress Felicity Huffman released early from U.S. college scandal sentence
Actress Felicity Huffman leaves the federal courthouse with her husband William H. Macy, after being sentenced in connection with a nationwide college admissions cheating scheme in Boston, Massachusetts, U.S., September 13, 2019. REUTERS/Katherine Taylor/File Photo(Reuters) - Actress Felicity Huffman, the first parent in the U.S. college admissions cheating scandal to go to prison, was released from a California facility on Friday, before the end of her 14-day sentence, a prison spokeswoman said. Huffman, 56, an Academy Award nominee, turned herself in to authorities at the Federal Correctional Institution in Dublin, California, on Oct. 15. She is among 52 people charged with participating in a wide-ranging scheme in which wealthy parents engaged in a bribery and fraud scheme with a California college admissions consultant to get their children into top colleges, including Yale, Stanford and the University of Southern California. In the days after Huffmans arrest, her daughters top choice college rescinded her acceptance.
feeds.reuters.comFelicity Huffman released from federal prison
(CNN) - Actress Felicity Huffman was released Friday from a federal prison in Dublin, California, after serving 11 days of a two-week sentence for her role in the college admissions scam, according to the Bureau of Prisons. Huffman, the "Desperate Housewives" star, was the first of the more than 30 parents charged in the sprawling criminal case to begin serving a prison sentence. Huffman reported to federal prison October 15, according to a representative. In court during her sentencing, Huffman apologized to the judge, her daughters and her husband, actor William H. Macy. Huffman echoed that sentiment in a statement released to the news media, saying, "There are no excuses or justifications for my actions.
Huffman released with 2 days left on 2-week prison term
Actress Felicity Huffman was released Friday morning from a federal prison in California two days before the end of a two-week sentence for her role in the college admissions scandal , authorities said. The "Desperate Housewives" star was released from the low-security prison for women because under prison policy, inmates scheduled for weekend release are let out on Friday, the U.S. Bureau of Prisons said. The scheme, the biggest college admissions case ever prosecuted by the Justice Department, has shown how far some will go to get their children into top universities like Stanford and Yale. Prison officials would not provide specific information on Huffman but said she would follow all the same rules and guidelines as other inmates. ___This story has been clarified to reflect that Huffman arrived at the prison with one day already served for the day she was originally arrested and jailed.
chicagotribune.comFelicity Huffman released 11 days into 14-day prison term
The "Desperate Housewives" star was released from the low-security prison for women on Friday morning because under prison policy, inmates scheduled for weekend release are let out on Friday, the U.S. Bureau of Prisons said. SAN FRANCISCO Actress Felicity Huffman was released Friday morning from a federal prison in California on the 11th day of a 14-day sentence for her role in the college admissions scandal, authorities said. The "Desperate Housewives" star was released from the low-security prison for women on Friday morning because under prison policy, inmates scheduled for weekend release are let out on Friday, the U.S. Bureau of Prisons said. Her husband, actor William H. Macy, dropped off Huffman aka inmate No. Huffman was the first parent sentenced in the scandal, which was the biggest college admissions case ever prosecuted by the Justice Department.
dailycommercial.comFelicity Huffman released 11 days into 14-day prison term
The "Desperate Housewives" star was released from the low-security prison for women on Friday morning because under prison policy, inmates scheduled for weekend release are let out on Friday, the U.S. Bureau of Prisons said. SAN FRANCISCO Actress Felicity Huffman was released Friday morning from a federal prison in California on the 11th day of a 14-day sentence for her role in the college admissions scandal, authorities said. The "Desperate Housewives" star was released from the low-security prison for women on Friday morning because under prison policy, inmates scheduled for weekend release are let out on Friday, the U.S. Bureau of Prisons said. Her husband, actor William H. Macy, dropped off Huffman aka inmate No. Huffman was the first parent sentenced in the scandal, which was the biggest college admissions case ever prosecuted by the Justice Department.
ocala.comFelicity Huffman released 11 days into 14-day prison term
The "Desperate Housewives" star was released from the low-security prison for women on Friday morning because under prison policy, inmates scheduled for weekend release are let out on Friday, the U.S. Bureau of Prisons said. SAN FRANCISCO Actress Felicity Huffman was released Friday morning from a federal prison in California on the 11th day of a 14-day sentence for her role in the college admissions scandal, authorities said. The "Desperate Housewives" star was released from the low-security prison for women on Friday morning because under prison policy, inmates scheduled for weekend release are let out on Friday, the U.S. Bureau of Prisons said. Her husband, actor William H. Macy, dropped off Huffman aka inmate No. Huffman was the first parent sentenced in the scandal, which was the biggest college admissions case ever prosecuted by the Justice Department.
news-journalonline.comMartha Stewart's Style Advice for Inmate Felicity Huffman
Convicted felon Martha Stewart is giving advice in the wake of new footage showing Felicity Huffman in her prison garb. Stewart, who served five months in prison in 2004 after an insider-trading scandal, was asked about Huffman at a Vanity Fair event in Los Angeles Tuesday. Meanwhile, many are curious if prosecutors brought a new charge against Lori Loughlin because they're frustrated with the light sentence Huffman and others have received. RELATED STORIESIs Felicity Huffman Getting Special Treatment in Prison? Felicity Huffman Takes a Stroll in Her Prison Garb: Today on Inside EditionInside Felicity Huffman's 1st Day in Prison
Lori Loughlin, Felicity Huffman: Faces of college admissions scandal
But Huffman pleaded guilty, while Loughlin and her husband have fought the charges. BOSTON - As Felicity Huffman's time behind bars nears its end, Lori Loughlin's fate for her alleged role in the college admissions scandal is yet to be determined. After news of the scam broke, the two actresses became the face of the scandal -- but Huffman pleaded guilty, while Loughlin and her husband have fought the charges. Singer pleaded guilty to four federal charges and is cooperating with prosecutors. Last week, Huffman reported to federal prison in Dublin, California, to begin serving her two-week sentence.
Lori Loughlin's daughters no longer enrolled at USC, university says
LOS ANGELES - Lori Loughlin's daughters are no longer enrolled at the University of Southern California, the school said in a statement to CNN on Monday. "Olivia Jade Giannulli and Isabella Rose Giannulli are not currently enrolled," the statement from the USC registrar's office read. Loughlin and her husband, Mossimo Giannulli, were two of the many parents caught up in the college admissions scandal. They are accused of paying $500,000 to a fake charity to get their two daughters accepted into USC, falsely designating them as crew team recruits. Several attorneys for other parents involved in the scandal told CNN their clients would not be changing their positions.
Lori Loughlin and other parents hit with new charges in college admissions scam
Actress Lori Loughlin and several other parents were hit with additional charges in the college cheating scandal Tuesday. The U.S. Attorney's office said Loughlin, her husband and nine others are now accused of conspiring to commit federal program bribery, CBS Boston reported. Loughlin and Giannulli had already pleaded not guilty to charges of conspiracy to commit mail and wire fraud and conspiracy to commit money laundering.They have been determined to fight the charges from the start. She pleaded guilty to conspiracy charges and said in an apology that she's "deeply ashamed" of her actions. They're part of the 33 parents originally accused in the biggest college admission scandal in U.S. history.
cbsnews.comIs Felicity Huffman Getting Special Treatment in Prison?
Is Felicity Huffman getting special treatment in prison? Everyone is taken aback by images of a smiling Huffman exiting the prison facility, then walking freely through the prison parking lot. Prison consultant and former inmate Larry Levine said Huffmans treatment smacks of special privilege. Levine also said she's also receiving special treatment with meal privileges. RELATED STORIESInside Felicity Huffman's 1st Day in PrisonFelicity Huffman's New Life in PrisonWas Felicity Huffman's Sentence in the College Scandal the Result of 'White Privilege'?
Felicity Huffman Takes a Stroll in Her Prison Garb: Today on Inside Edition
Felicity Huffman was seen taking a walk in her green prison garb Saturday, giving the public a glimpse at her life behind bars. The former "Desperate Housewives" star is serving two weeks at a low-security federal prison in California for her part in the college admissions scandal. The parents of a slain American prosecutor have arrived on the remote island of Yap in the hopes of taking their daughter's body home. And an iconic scene from "Joker" has people flocking to the Bronx in New York City for a sweet photo op. For more Inside Edition stories tune in to today's show.
New photo shows Felicity Huffman in prison uniform
CNN Video(CNN) - The public got its first look at actress Felicity Huffman's life in prison as photos and a video taken Saturday showed her walking in a green prison uniform. The "Desperate Housewives" star was spotted in a dark green jumpsuit in the low-security federal prison in Dublin, California, five days into her two-week prison sentence for her role in the college admissions scam. In the photos and video, Huffman is wearing glasses, a white hat, black sneakers and a watch on her right wrist. Huffman reported to FCI Dublin on Tuesday and is the first of more than 30 parents charged in the case to begin serving a prison sentence. In court during her sentencing, Huffman apologized to the judge, her daughters and her husband, actor William H. Macy.
What life is like inside prison housing Felicity Huffman
(CNN) - Actress Felicity Huffman began serving time in Dublin, California, this week at a federal prison that Forbes once said was among the "cushiest" in the country. Inmates can sunbathe on the weekends, but they have to wear a shirt and shorts, the handbook says. They can watch the lobby television until 8:45 p.m. during the week or 11:45 p.m. on weekends. Huffman will only spend 13 days thereHuffman was accused of spending $15,000 to boost her daughter's SAT scores. In court during her sentencing, Huffman apologized to the judge, her daughters and her husband, actor William H. Macy.
Here's How to Get Better Service While Dining Out: Today on Inside Edition
Want better service at restaurants? He told Inside Edition what not to do to guarantee your waiter doesn't hate you. A newly released video shows a Florida cop shoving a teen suspect off a roof. Felicity Huffman woke up bright and early on her first full day in prison. For more Inside Edition stories tune in to today's show.
Inside Felicity Huffman's 1st Day in Prison
Felicity Huffman was up at 5 a.m. Wednesday after her first night in federal prison. She made her bed and then was offered a breakfast of milk, fruit, her choice of hot or cold cereal, and bread with jelly. She spent eight months in federal prison for bankruptcy fraud. RELATED STORIESFelicity Huffman's New Life in PrisonWas Felicity Huffman's Sentence in the College Scandal the Result of 'White Privilege'? Prison Guards Will Try to 'Rattle' Felicity Huffman, Says Former Inmate
Is 'Wheel of Fortune' Contestant's Intro Best or Worst Ever? Today on Inside Edition
A "Wheel of Fortune" contestant's opening introduction is raising some eyebrows. Blair Davis told host Pat Sajak he was trapped in a "loveless marriage" and cursed with stepchildren. The recent shooting of Atatiana Jefferson has some wondering whether more emphasis is being placed on cop safety than civilian lives. Inside Edition visited a training center to see what prospective officers are being taught. For more Inside Edition stories tune in to today's show.
Felicity Huffman reports to prison to begin 14-day sentence
"Desperate Housewives" star Felicity Huffman, who was given a 14-day sentence last month for her role in the college admissions cheating scandal, reported to prison Tuesday, her representative said in a statement. Huffman, 56, reported to the federal prison in Dublin, California, and "is prepared to serve" the sentence, her representative said. Huffman also received one year of probation, 250 hours of community service and a $30,000 fine. Before being sentenced last month, Huffman tearfully apologized to U.S. District Judge Indira Talwani, saying she was "deeply sorry" for her actions. I realize now that love and truth must go hand in hand.
cbsnews.comFelicity Huffman starts serving prison time in college scam
DUBLIN, Calif. "Desperate Housewives" star Felicity Huffman reported Tuesday to a U.S. prison in California to serve a two-week sentence in a college admissions scandal, a representative said. A federal judge in Boston sentenced Huffman last month to 14 days in prison, a $30,000 fine, 250 hours of community service and a year's probation. The Federal Correctional Institution, Dublin is a low-security prison for women in the San Francisco Bay Area. Huffman pleaded guilty in May to fraud and conspiracy for paying an admissions consultant $15,000 to have a proctor correct her daughter's SAT answers. The scandal was the biggest college admissions case ever prosecuted by the Justice Department.
news-journalonline.comFelicity Huffman starts serving prison time in college scam
DUBLIN, Calif. "Desperate Housewives" star Felicity Huffman reported Tuesday to a U.S. prison in California to serve a two-week sentence in a college admissions scandal, a representative said. A federal judge in Boston sentenced Huffman last month to 14 days in prison, a $30,000 fine, 250 hours of community service and a year's probation. The Federal Correctional Institution, Dublin is a low-security prison for women in the San Francisco Bay Area. Huffman pleaded guilty in May to fraud and conspiracy for paying an admissions consultant $15,000 to have a proctor correct her daughter's SAT answers. The scandal was the biggest college admissions case ever prosecuted by the Justice Department.
dailycommercial.comFelicity Huffman starts serving prison time in college scam
DUBLIN, Calif. "Desperate Housewives" star Felicity Huffman reported Tuesday to a U.S. prison in California to serve a two-week sentence in a college admissions scandal, a representative said. A federal judge in Boston sentenced Huffman last month to 14 days in prison, a $30,000 fine, 250 hours of community service and a year's probation. The Federal Correctional Institution, Dublin is a low-security prison for women in the San Francisco Bay Area. Huffman pleaded guilty in May to fraud and conspiracy for paying an admissions consultant $15,000 to have a proctor correct her daughter's SAT answers. The scandal was the biggest college admissions case ever prosecuted by the Justice Department.
ocala.comFelicity Huffman starts serving prison time in college scam
The prison has been described by media as "Club Fed," making its way onto a Forbes list in 2009 of "America's 10 Cushiest Prisons." Once inside the prison, Huffman will share a room and open toilet with three other inmates, according to a TASC Group publicist who declined to be named in accordance with company policy. Sally Swarts, a spokeswoman for the prison, said she could not provide specific information on Huffman but noted that everything in the inmate handbook would apply to the actress. Huffman was the first parent sentenced in the scandal, which was the biggest college admissions case ever prosecuted by the Justice Department. Others are accused of paying Singer to bribe coaches in exchange for helping their children get into schools as fake athletic recruits.
chicagotribune.comCouple get month sentence in college bribery scandal
A business executive and his wife, a former journalist, were each sentenced to a month in prison Tuesday for paying $125,000 to rig their daughter's college entrance exams in a scandal involving dozens of wealthy and sometimes famous parents. They follow five other parents who have been sentenced so far, with prison sentences ranging from 14 days to five months. Meanwhile, the case's lead prosecutor said he plans to recommend longer prison sentences for "Full House" star Lori Loughlin and other parents contesting the charges against them. "Let's say she goes through to trial: If it's after trial, I think certainly we'd be asking for something substantially higher. The "Desperate Housewives" star was sentenced Sept. 13 after she admitted to paying $15,000 to rig her daughter's SAT score.
chicagotribune.comOne month of prison for corporate lawyer in U.S. college admissions scandal
BOSTON (Reuters) - The former co-chairman of the New York corporate law firm Willkie Farr & Gallagher was sentenced on Thursday to one month in prison for his role in what prosecutors say is the largest college admissions scam uncovered in the United States. FILE PHOTO: Gordon Caplan, (L) co-chairman of Willkie Farr & Gallagher law company, facing charges in a nationwide college admissions cheating scheme, enters federal court in Boston, Massachusetts, U.S., April 3, 2019. Caplan told the judge he was deeply ashamed of his actions and for contributing to the broader perception that the U.S. college admissions system is rigged for the rich. He was also ordered to pay a $50,000 fine. The 35 parents charged include executives and celebrities, such as Desperate Housewives star Felicity Huffman, who pleaded guilty and was sentenced last month to 14 days in prison, and Full House actress Lori Loughlin, who is awaiting trial. The proctor was Mark Riddell, a former counselor at a Florida private school who pleaded guilty in April to secretly taking SAT and ACT college entrance exams in place of Singers clients children or correcting their answers.
feeds.reuters.comCorporate lawyer faces sentencing in U.S. college admissions scandal
BOSTON (Reuters) - The former co-chairman of the New York corporate law firm Willkie Farr & Gallagher will be sentenced on Thursday for his role in what prosecutors say is the largest college admissions scam uncovered in the United States. FILE PHOTO: Gordon Caplan, (L) co-chairman of Willkie Farr & Gallagher law company, facing charges in a nationwide college admissions cheating scheme, enters federal court in Boston, Massachusetts, U.S., April 3, 2019. William Rick Singer, the consultant, pleaded guilty in March to charges that he facilitated cheating on college entrance exams and helped bribe sports coaches at universities to present his clients children as fake athletic recruits. The 35 parents charged in the Operation Varsity Blues investigation include corporate executives and celebrities, including Desperate Housewives star Felicity Huffman and Full House actress Lori Loughlin. Prosecutors have said some parents took steps to prevent their children from realizing they were benefiting from fraud.
feeds.reuters.comThird parent sentenced to prison in U.S. college admissions scandal
(Reuters) - The father of a former Georgetown University student was sentenced on Thursday to four months in prison, the third parent in the sweeping U.S. college admissions bribery scandal to draw jail time, federal prosecutors said. In all, 50 celebrities, business people, athletic coaches and others have been charged in the scandal in which parents allegedly paid bribes to get their children into prestigious universities. Actress Felicity Huffman, 56, was sentenced this month to two weeks in federal prison, and California businessman Devin Sloane, 53, on Tuesday drew a fourth-month sentence. Singer then paid hundreds of thousands of dollars to Georgetown tennis coach Gordon Ernst to admit the younger Semprevivo to the university in 2016, prosecutors said. Some of the 33 parents who have been charged have said they tried to shield their children from what they were doing.
feeds.reuters.comSecond parent gets four-month sentence in U.S. college scandal
(Reuters) - A California businessman was sentenced to four months in prison on Tuesday for paying bribes to get his son into a prestigious university, court records said, the second parent jailed in a U.S. college admissions cheating scandal. Sloane pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to commit mail fraud and honest services mail fraud, court files online show. Huffman, the first parent sentenced in the scandal, was also fined $30,000 and ordered to perform 250 hours of community service. The schools included Yale, Stanford, Georgetown, the University of Southern California, the University of Texas and Wake Forest. Fifteen parents have pleaded guilty in the bribery scandal that FBI investigators call Operation Varsity Blues.
feeds.reuters.comSecond parent gets four-month sentence in U.S. college scandal: media
(Reuters) - A California businessman was sentenced to four months in prison for paying bribes to get his son into a prestigious university, media reported on Tuesday, the second parent jailed in a U.S. college admissions cheating scandal. Sloane pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to commit mail fraud and honest services mail fraud, media reported. Huffman, the first parent sentenced in the scandal, was also fined $30,000 and ordered to perform 250 hours of community service. The schools included Yale, Stanford, Georgetown, the University of Southern California, the University of Texas and Wake Forest. Fifteen parents have pleaded guilty in the bribery scandal that FBI investigators call Operation Varsity Blues.
feeds.reuters.comFelicity Huffman Seen Out for 1st Time After 14-Day Sentence: Today on Inside Edition
Felicity Huffman was spotted out and about this past weekend after being sentenced to 14 days behind bars for her role in the college admissions scandal. Huffman was dressed casually as she appeared to help her daughter Sophia move. Christie Brinkley is dropping out of "Dancing With the Stars" and being replaced by her daughter! Watch the terrifying surveillance video. For these stories and more, watch Inside Edition.
Felicity Huffman Smiles While Out With Daughter Days After Sentencing
Felicity Huffman was spotted out on mom duty, weeks before she must report to serve her 14-day sentence in the college admissions scandal. The actress was photographed with husband William H. Macy and daughter Sophia, whom they appeared to be helping move over the weekend. She managed a smile as they carried boxes together. Huffman and Sophia were also snapped outside a center for at-risk teens in Los Angeles. RELATED STORIESPrison Guards Will Try to 'Rattle' Felicity Huffman, Says Former InmateFelicity Huffman's Daughter 'Has Nightmares' Over Armed Arrest of Mom: DocumentsAbby Lee Miller Has Prison Advice for Felicity Huffman
John Legend: Prison isn't always the best answer
Alberto E. Rodriguez/Getty Images(CNN) - John Legend is weighing in on prison sentences a day after actress Felicity Huffman got 14 days for her role in the nationwide college admission scandal. In a series of tweets Saturday, Legend, who champions criminal justice reform, said prison is not always the answer for every mistake. "I get why everyone gets mad when rich person X gets a short sentence and poor person of color Y gets a long one. The answer isn't for X to get more; it's for both of them to get less (or even none!!!) In addition to two weeks in prison, the "Desperate Housewives" star was sentenced to one year supervised release and 250 hours of community service.
Huffman wants to do time at low security Calif. prison
As an inmate at Federal Correctional Institution Dublin, the "Desperate Housewives" actress would have to don khaki clothing with her name and inmate number. For example, inmates at FCI Dublin can sunbathe on the weekends, but they have to wear a shirt and shorts, the handbook says. Inmates can watch the lobby television until 8:45 p.m. during the week, or until 11:45 p.m. on the weekends. Huffman, along with the actress Lori Loughlin, was among the most high-profile parents swept up in the scandal, dubbed "Varsity Blues." Prosecutors had suggested Huffman spend one month in prison and pay a $20,000 fine.
Here's what Felicity Huffman said at her sentencing
Felicity Huffman exits the John Joseph Moakley U.S. BOSTON (CNN) - Before she was sentenced to 14 days in prison on Friday, actress Felicity Huffman told a federal judge she could have stopped her involvement in the college admissions scandal and was "deeply ashamed" that she didn't. Speaking to Judge Indira Talwani, Huffman talked about driving her daughter to a testing center to take a SAT test. Huffman said her daughter told her, "I don't know who you are anymore, Mom. "I am deeply ashamed of what I have done," Huffman told the judge.
Felicity Huffman sentenced to 14 days in prison
BOSTON - Felicity Huffman will spend 14 days in prison for her role in what authorities have called the largest college admissions scam ever prosecuted. Prosecutors had suggested Huffman spend one month in prison and pay a $20,000 fine. Ultimately, Huffman "knew it was a fraud," Judge Indira Talwani said, adding, "it was not an impulsive act." In last week's letter to Talwani, Huffman tried to explain why she felt she had to participate in the scam. "I had no adequate answer for her," Huffman wrote.
Prison Guards Will Try to 'Rattle' Felicity Huffman, Says Former Inmate
Felicity Huffman was sentenced to 14 days behind bars for her role in the college admissions scandal. 'I dont know who you are anymore, Mom,'" Huffman said her daughter said. Coulman said the other inmates will probably leave Huffman alone and that it's the guards that she will need to watch out for. RELATED STORIESWill Felicity Huffman Get Prison Time for College Admissions Scandal? Felicity Huffman's Daughter 'Has Nightmares' Over Armed Arrest of Mom: DocumentsFelicity Huffman Holds Brother's Hand as She Arrives to Plead Guilty in College Scandal
Does Melania Trump's Coat Show Plane Flying Into Tower? Today on Inside Edition
Melania Trump is no stranger to fashion controversies, but her newest scandal may be the most outrageous of all. For a 9/11 tribute last year, the first lady donned a coat that featured stitching on the back that some say makes it look like a plane flying into a tower. Will Felicity Huffman face time behind bars for her role in the college admissions scandal? And what a former "Survivor" producer is saying after he was released from a Mexican prison after killing his wife. For these stories and more, watch Inside Edition.
Will Felicity Huffman Get Prison Time for College Admissions Scandal?
The 56-year-old actress will be sentenced Friday for her role in the college admissions cheating scandal. Prosecutors have recommended a month in federal prison. If she does get time, she may serve her sentence Victorville Federal Prison Camp in San Bernardino, California. There's already a Lifetime movie inspired by the college admissions scandal scheduled to premiere next month with characters based on Huffman and Lori Loughlin, who denies any part in the scheme. Before he began his sentence, Sorrentino was given advice by his Uncle Nino on Jersey Shore that Huffman could use too.
Ruling in college admissions scam could reduce prison time
BOSTON - A federal judge's coming ruling in the college admissions scandal could determine whether the wealthy parents in the case get significant prison time -- or whether they only get a slap on the wrist. Federal court Judge Indira Talwani heard arguments on this debate in federal court Tuesday. These parents signed plea deals in which federal prosecutors agreed to recommend they get prison time at the low end of the federal sentencing guidelines range. But in the admissions scam, the fraud losses are more ephemeral, CNN legal analyst Elie Honig said. Fraud cases usually have clear monetary losses that play a role in the sentencing calculations, but that's not clear in the college admissions scam.
Felicity Huffman explains role in college cheating scandal
The "Desperate Housewives" star is one of dozens of defendants charged in a massive college admissions cheating scam. In the three-page letter, Huffman details early struggles with her daughter's medical issues and learning disabilities. Singer pleaded guilty to four charges in March related to cheating on standardized tests and bribing college coaches and administrators. Huffman said Singer told her "'we will make sure she gets the scores she needs" by having a proctor bump up her scores after she takes the test. "In my desperation to be a good mother, I talked myself into believing that all I was doing was giving my daughter a fair shot," Huffman wrote.