Actress Lori Loughlin starts prison term for role in college admissions scandal

Lori Loughlin, 56, reported to a low-security federal correctional institution in Dublin, California last week. Photo: AFP

Full House actress Lori Loughlin began a two-month prison sentence for her role in a vast college admissions fraud scheme to help her daughters gain entry into a top US university, a prison official said on Friday (Oct 30).

Loughlin, 56, reported to a low-security federal correctional institution in Dublin, California, a spokesperson for the prison said by phone.

After initially fighting the charges, Loughlin and her fashion designer husband, Mossimo Giannulli, pleaded guilty in May to conspiracy to commit wire and mail fraud.

Prosecutors said Loughlin and Giannulli paid US$500,000 in bribes to secure spots for their daughters at the University of Southern California (USC) as fake athletic recruits for the school’s crew team even though neither rowed competitively.

The celebrity parents were among 56 people charged in a scheme masterminded by consultant William “Rick” Singer, who has admitted to facilitating cheating on college entrance exams and using bribery to secure admission to elite schools.

Desperate Housewives star Felicity Huffman served 11 days last year in the same prison that is now housing Loughlin, for her role in the scandal.

In August, Loughlin apologised and said she had acted out of love for her daughters. – Reuters