Felicity Huffmans headed to prison, so does that mean Lori Loughlins next? A lawyer tells us EXCLUSIVELY how the ex-Fuller House star could still avoid jail time, and if Felicitys sentencing will affect Loris case.
After pleading guilty to felony fraud charges in the nationwide college admissions scandal, Felicity Huffman, 56, was sentenced to 14 days in prison. With the Desperate Housewives headed for a two-week stay behind bars, it would appear that a similar, if not worse fate is in store for Lori Loughlin, 55. However, theres a way that the former Fuller House star could beat the rap, according to Boston criminal defense attorney Joseph B. Simons. The legal expert explains to HollywoodLife EXCLUSIVELY how Loris defense – she claims she was “duped” by the college admissions scandals mastermind – could save her from jail time.
“The prosecution would need to prove that Lori knew that the money was being used to buy her daughters way into college,” Joseph tells HollywoodLife. Lori and her husband, Mossimo Giannulli, believed that the alleged mastermind Rick Singer had a legitimate, government-run charity. The couple donated $500,000 to the charity, which prosecutors claim was their way of bribing their daughters – Isabella, 20, and Olivia Jade, 19 – into school. “If her attorneys can convince a jury that Lori thought the money was simply a donation, then she will be acquitted,” Joseph B. Simons tells HollywoodLife.
If this defense fails, what kind of sentence is Lori looking at? “Felicity admitted to paying $15,000, while Lori is accused of paying roughly $500,000,” says Simons. “Federal sentencing terms are driven in part by the amount of money used in the crime. Given the vast difference in fines, Loris prison sentence would likely be much longer.”
Will Felicitys fate affect Loris sentencing in any way? “Felicity was sentenced by Judge Indira Talwani, while Judge Nathaniel Gorton is presiding ove
