College Admissions Scandal Update: Parent Pays $150,000 Fine For Scam Involvement
New developments continue to be released pertaining to the ongoing college admissions scam.
In November, former real estate executive Toby MacFarlane of Del Mar, California, was given the longest prison sentence thus far, six months, for his involvement in William "Rick" Singer's scheme. Subsequently, he was charged with conspiracy to commit mail fraud and honest services mail fraud. MacFarlane, who admitted to paying $450,000 in bribes so that his children would be admitted to the University of Southern California (USC) as fake sports recruits, also received harsh comments from Judge Nathaniel M. Gorton at his sentencing.
In addition to the aforementioned punishment, he was also ordered to pay a fine of $150,000 and complete 200 hours of community service.
Now, according to the Boston Globe, MacFarlane has paid his fine in full. As stated in court documents, he had until 2 p.m. on Thursday to self-surrender to federal custody in order to begin his prison sentence.
MacFarlane was not the only parent involved in the scam as "Fuller House" star Lori Loughlin and "Desperate Housewives" actress Felicity Huffman also allegedly played their own parts in the admissions scam.
Huffman was sentenced to a 14-day sentence for paying Singer $15,000 to change her daughter's SAT score. After being granted early release from the penitentiary, she began completing the other components of her punishment, including community service. It has also been reported that TV networks are scrambling to secure her first interview after being released, but at this time, she has not spoken out about her time behind bars.
As for Loughlin, both she and her husband, fashion designer Mossimo Giannulli, have been accused of paying Singer $500,000 so that their daughters Olivia Jade and Isabella Rose could attend USC. They have each been charged with mail and wire fraud, honest services mail and wire fraud and conspiracy to commit federal programs bribery, but have pleaded not guilty.
Additionally, it has been reported that Loughlin has been taking a "grueling" step behind the scenes in order to prepare for her "inevitable" future. Some have also shared what they believe would be a "smart" step for her defense leading up to her trial. At this time, it has been said she could potentially receive a lighter sentence for pleading guilty and testifying against Giannulli, but she has not taken any steps to formally do so. Loughlin and Giannulli are expected back in court on Jan. 17.
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