College Admissions Scandal Update: Lori Loughlin's Newest Request Could Make Her Future 'Easier'
Earlier this year, Lori Loughlin and her husband, Mossimo Giannulli, pleaded guilty to their part in the Rick Singer-led college admissions scam. Now, ahead of her next court date, attorneys representing the Hallmark star and the fashion designer have "respectfully submitted" a new request that could affect their futures.
On Monday, both Loughlin and Giannulli asked federal Judge Nathaniel Gorton to release "their $1,000,000 bonds secured by their property, reducing their bail from $1,000,000 to $100,000, and removing the requirement that the $100,000 bonds be secured by money or property," reports the Boston Herald. Prosecutors in U.S. Attorney Andrew Lelling’s Boston office reportedly did not object to the move put forth by the couple's legal representation.
"There is no indication that Defendants will flee rather than face sentencing. An unsecured bond, coupled with sufficient assets to collect upon, provides the same incentive for Defendants to appear in this case, which they will of course continue to do," the "Fuller House" star's legal team stated.
The new request comes after the two faced a variety of charges in 2019 after being accused of paying Singer $500,000 so that their daughters, Olivia Jade and Isabella Rose, could attend the University of Southern California (USC). After the allegations, they were each charged with mail and wire fraud, honest services mail and wire fraud, money laundering, and conspiracy to commit federal programs bribery.
On May 21, Loughlin pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to commit wire and mail fraud and Giannulli pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to commit wire and mail fraud and honest services wire and mail fraud. These decisions could result in a two-month prison sentence for Loughlin and a five-month punishment for Giannulli if Judge Gorton accepts their pleas and recommended sentences at their Aug. 21 hearing. The prison sentences would also be paired with community service and fines for both parties.
Aside from the new conversation around the amount of her bail, the "When Calls the Heart" actress's case has also been discussed in other ways as well. Not only have some experts stated that her sentence could be affected by unexpected "guidance," but some have also indicated that it could ultimately result in a "unique" outcome.
As stated by Needham defense attorney Tim Burke, who is a former prosecutor, making the aforementioned request to reduce their bond could free up cash that may be needed to pay their legal bills down the road.
"They could use that bail money to pay a fine they are anticipating," he said, adding, "It’s a lot easier to do it that way."
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