College Admissions Scandal Update: Lori Loughlin Needs To Do This After Pleading Guilty, Says Expert
On Friday, Lori Loughlin and Mossimo Giannulli appeared before federal Judge Nathaniel Gorton as they addressed their participation in the college admissions scam. At that time, both the "Fuller House" actress and the fashion designer officially entered guilty pleas and learned about their upcoming court dates.
According to the Boston Herald, the Hallmark star, along with Giannulli, appeared via Zoom for Friday's pre-sentencing. After a short delay, the two were accompanied by their lawyers as the case was called.
After swearing to tell the truth, they stated that they were not under the influence of any alcohol or drugs. At that time, the "When Calls the Heart" actress then added that no one had forced her to plead guilty to one count of conspiracy to commit wire and mail fraud. Following the aforementioned discussion, the two were told that they must report to prison within 90 days of their official sentencing.
Prosecutor Eric Rosen then discussed the alleged steps that Loughlin and Giannulli took in order to work with scam ringleader William "Rick" Singer and the faux rowing photos of their daughters, Olivia Jade and Isabella Rose, that were used during the process.
From there, Judge Gorton stated that while the couple could ultimately face a "less favorable" sentence, they would not learn of the final decision until a later date. Initially, Loughlin and Giannulli requested a July 30 sentencing, but Gorton instead decided on Aug. 21. He also indicated, as reported by the outlet, that he will "try to come to a quick decision on the plea agreement."
As for why Gorton did not accept their pleas during Friday's court session, he reportedly could not do so until he sees their pre-sentencing reports from the Massachusetts Probation Service, according to People.
READ: Lori Loughlin Net Worth: 'Fuller House' Actress' Finances Amid College Admissions Scandal
If the current terms are accepted, Loughlin will serve two months behind bars, pay a fine of $150,000, and be placed on two years of supervised release with 100 hours of community service. As for Giannulli, he would receive five months in prison, will have to pay a $250,000 fine, and will be placed on two years of supervised release while completing 250 hours of community service.
If Loughlin and Giannulli have their guilty pleas accepted and serve prison time, Hollywood crisis manager Howard Bragman believes an additional step will be required to begin moving on with their lives. He told Deseret News that Loughlin will need to do a television interview talking about the scandal in order to regain the public's favor.
"They’re certainly not at a point where they see a light at the end of the tunnel," Bragman said. "But, at the same time, they’re closer than they were."
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