In March 2019 a US college admissions scandal was making headlines around the world, mainly because several television and movie stars were implicated.
The mastermind of the scheme – which basically involved fraud to gain students admission to prestigious US colleges – was William “Rick” Singer. In December 2019 Singer pleaded guilty to charges of racketeering conspiracy, money laundering conspiracy, conspiracy to defraud, and obstruction of justice.
One of the famous names involved in the scheme is actress Lori Loughlin, best known for her role as Aunt Becky on the TV series Full House, and the recent re-boot Fuller House.
Ms Loughlin was one of 33 parents of college applicants accused of paying more than $25 million between 2011 and 2018 to William Rick Singer, who used the money to fraudulently inflate entrance exam scores and bribe college officials.
In May 2020 Loughlin pleaded guilty to conspiracy to commit wire and mail fraud. On 21 August 2020 she was sentenced to 2 months in prison, 2 years of supervised release, a fine of $150,000, and 100 hours of community service.
