Daughters of the actress Lori Loughlin may be facing charges of their own as part of the widespread college admissions scandal that could send both of their parents to prison.
Former “Full House” star Loughlin and her husband Mossimo Giannulli pleaded not guilty to multiple charges, including conspiracy to commit federal program bribery and money laundering, and are accused of funneling $500,000 in bribes through a fake nonprofit organization to get their daughters admitted to the University of Southern California at crew recruits, even though neither daughter played the sport.
Olivia Jade and Isabella Rose are no longer enrolled at USC, Fox News confirmed last week.
A legal expert told People magazine that the young women could face charges if Loughlin and her husband continue to maintain their innocence.
“At a minimum, the daughters will be witnesses in a trial against their parents, but they could also be charged as defendants,” Former federal prosecutor Neama Rahmani told People magazine.
Earlier this month, Loughlin, her husband, and nine other parents who pleaded not guilty to charges stemming from the college admissions scandal were indicted on new, federal bribery charges.
“The government has made it clear that they are going to keep increasing pressure on both Lori and Mossimo,” Rahmani added. “By not pleading, Lori and Mossimo are exposing their children to being charged.”
A source who knows that family told People magazine that Loughlin would not put her daughters at risk, and would change her plea if there was a danger that they would face legal consequences.
Former “Desperate Housewives” star Felicity Huffman pleaded guilty to charges stemming from a $15,000 bribe paid to a college admissions test proctor to help her daughter cheat on an admissions exam. Huffman was sentenced to 14 days in prison but released 11 days into her sentence.
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[Feature image: Lori Loughlin with her daughters Isabella Rose Giannulli and Olivia Jade Giannulli are seen in Los Angeles, CA; File Photo by zz/GOTPAP/STAR MAX/IPx 2017 via AP]
