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Judge will appoint special master to oversee California federal women's prison after rampant abuse
Read full article: Judge will appoint special master to oversee California federal women's prison after rampant abuseA judge will appoint a special master to oversee a federal women's prison in California known for rampant sexual abuse against inmates.
Ex-Yale coach gets 5 months in admissions bribery scandal
Read full article: Ex-Yale coach gets 5 months in admissions bribery scandalThe former Yale University women’s soccer coach whose cooperation with authorities helped blow the lid off the nationwide college admissions bribery scandal by leading the FBI to the scheme’s mastermind has been sentenced to five months in prison.
Georgetown dad acquitted in final college bribery scam trial
Read full article: Georgetown dad acquitted in final college bribery scam trialA father has been acquitted of paying off a Georgetown University tennis coach to get his daughter into the school in the final trial linked to the college admissions bribery scandal.
Inside federal prisons, employees are committing the crimes
Read full article: Inside federal prisons, employees are committing the crimesAn Associated Press investigation has found that more than 100 federal Bureau of Prisons employees have been arrested, convicted or sentenced in criminal cases since the start of 2019.
Ex-coach tells of faking athletic credentials
Read full article: Ex-coach tells of faking athletic credentialsA former assistant soccer coach at the University of Southern California testified Monday that she regularly created fake athletic profiles with exaggerated accomplishments and images she found on Google to help get unqualified students admitted.
'Varsity Blues' trial promises fresh insights in old scandal
Read full article: 'Varsity Blues' trial promises fresh insights in old scandalThe first trial of “Operation Varsity Blues” will begin this week with the potential to shed light on investigators’ tactics and brighten the spotlight on a college admissions process many complain favors the rich.
Ex-UCLA coach gets 8 months in prison for admissions scam
Read full article: Ex-UCLA coach gets 8 months in prison for admissions scamFILE - 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
Read full article: 'Operation Varsity Blues' reenacts and reorients a scandalNEW 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
Read full article: Netflix doc to examine man behind college admissions scandalThis 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'
Read full article: 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
Read full article: Mossimo Giannulli reports to prison in college bribery caseFILE - 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
Read full article: Few parents, coaches still fighting charges in college scamJust 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
Read full article: Loughlin, Giannulli remain silent as they await prison fateLoughlin 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
Read full article: Loughlin, Giannulli plead in college scam but await fateUnder 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.
Loughlin, Giannulli to serve prison time for college scam
Read full article: Loughlin, Giannulli to serve prison time for college scamLoughlin, 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. Simon said the couple's lawyers may think that Loughlin and Giannulli have a chance of avoiding prison altogether and serving their punishments at home because of the coronavirus pandemic. Loughlin and Giannulli were among 50 people arrested last year in the case dubbed Operation Varsity Blues that rocked the word of higher education.
Former test administrator pleads guilty in college admissions scandal
Read full article: Former test administrator pleads guilty in college admissions scandalGreg Kilday/CNN(CNN) - Igor Dvorskiy, a former Southern California test administrator accused of taking bribes in the college admissions scandal, has pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to commit racketeering, according to the US Attorney's Office in Massachusetts. Clients paid Singer between $15,000 and $75,000 per test and Dvorskiy was paid approximately $10,000 per test to permit the cheating, prosecutors said. Actress Felicity Huffman's daughter was one of many prospective students who used the test center where Dvorskiy administered tests, authorities said. When Felicity Huffman entered her guilty plea in May, the actress said she "had no knowledge of Mr. Singer paying Mr. Riddell and Mr. Dvorskiy recently agreed to testify in the college admissions scandal cases, if requested.
Felicity Huffman released from federal prison
Read full article: Felicity 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.
Lori Loughlin, Felicity Huffman: Faces of college admissions scandal
Read full article: Lori Loughlin, Felicity Huffman: Faces of college admissions scandalBut 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
Read full article: Lori Loughlin's daughters no longer enrolled at USC, university saysLOS 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.
New photo shows Felicity Huffman in prison uniform
Read full article: New photo shows Felicity Huffman in prison uniformCNN 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
Read full article: 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.
Felicity Huffman reports to prison for 2-week sentence
Read full article: Felicity Huffman reports to prison for 2-week sentence(CNN) - Actress Felicity Huffman reported to federal prison in Dublin, California, on Tuesday to begin serving a two-week sentence for her role in the college admissions scam, a representative said. "Ms. Huffman is prepared to serve the term of imprisonment Judge Talwani ordered as one part of the punishment she imposed for Ms. Huffman's actions," the statement said. "She will begin serving the remainder of the sentence Judge Talwani imposedone year of supervised release, with conditions including 250 hours of community servicewhen she is released." Huffman is the first of more than 30 parents charged in the sprawling criminal case to begin serving a prison sentence. Huffman echoed that sentiment in a statement released to the media, saying, "There are no excuses or justifications for my actions.
John Legend: Prison isn't always the best answer
Read full article: John Legend: Prison isn't always the best answerAlberto 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
Read full article: Huffman wants to do time at low security Calif. prisonAs 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
Read full article: Here's what Felicity Huffman said at her sentencingFelicity 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
Read full article: Felicity Huffman sentenced to 14 days in prisonBOSTON - 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.
Actress Felicity Huffman sentenced to 14 days in prison for role in admissions scam
Read full article: Actress Felicity Huffman sentenced to 14 days in prison for role in admissions scamBOSTON - "Desperate Housewives" star Felicity Huffman says she takes full responsibility for her role in the college admissions scandal and deserves her punishment. A federal judge in Boston sentenced the actress on Friday to 14 days in prison, a $30,000 fine, 250 hours of community service and a year's probation. Huffman was stoic in court, telling U.S. District Judge Indira Talwani she "betrayed" her daughters and her actor husband, William H. Macy. After her sentencing, she said via email: "I accept the court's decision today without reservation." Huffman pleaded guilty in May to paying an admissions consultant $15,000 to have a proctor correct her daughter's SAT exam answers in 2017.
Felicity Huffman to be first parent sentenced in admissions scandal
Read full article: Felicity Huffman to be first parent sentenced in admissions scandalCourthouse with her brother after appearing in federal court to answer charges stemming from college admissions scandal on April 3, 2019, in Boston. And in just a few short hours, the seasoned actress finds out what price she will pay for her role in what authorities called the largest college admissions scam ever prosecuted. Huffman, who along with fellow actress Lori Loughlin are among the most high-profile parents to be caught up in the admissions scandal, will be sentenced on Friday. Huffman's letter adds yet another dimension to the sentencing decision that will await Talwani. "I had no adequate answer for her," Huffman wrote.
Ruling in college admissions scam could reduce prison time
Read full article: Ruling in college admissions scam could reduce prison timeBOSTON - 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
Read full article: Felicity Huffman explains role in college cheating scandalThe "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.
Celebs write to support Felicity Huffman
Read full article: Celebs write to support Felicity HuffmanFelicity Huffman exits the John Joseph Moakley U.S. (CNN) - Actress Felicity Huffman is asking for a year's probation, 250 hours of community service and a $20,000 fine for her involvement in the college admissions scandal, a new filing from her attorneys says. Longoria: Huffman took me under her wingIn her letter of support, Longoria said she saw Huffman "every day, of every week for nearly 15 hours a day," during their time together on the show "Desperate Housewives." Longoria wrote that she would "not have survived those 10 years if it wasn't for the friendship of Felicity." Husband says the actress rarely leaves her homeIn his letter of support, Macy detailed the trauma the case has caused their family.
Operation Varsity Blues is coming to Lifetime
Read full article: Operation Varsity Blues is coming to LifetimeYou remember the big college admissions scandal from earlier this year, right? In case youve been living under a rock, Lori Loughlin and Felicity Huffman are two of the biggest names when it comes to the accused parties. Operation Varsity Blues, as its been called by investigators, involves parents who allegedly bribed college admissions officials to allow their children in at different schools, including the University of Southern California, where Loughlins daughter, social media star Olivia Jade Giannulli, attended. Whos going to play Huffman? The Lifetime network announced the news Tuesday with a working title of College Admissions Scandal, but the network acknowledges that the title may change, People says.