Actress Enters Surprising Plea in College Admissions Scandal

Actress Lori Loughlin has plead not guilty to all charges connected with her alleged role in the college admissions scandal.

The actress and her husband are facing possible lengthy prison sentences, if convicted. However, the not-guilty plea all but ensures a lengthy legal battle.

CBS reports:

Nearly two weeks after facing charges in Boston federal court, Loughlin and Giannulli made it clear they are not giving in to federal prosecutors, CBS News correspondent Don Dahler reports. The two waived their right to appear before a judge, instead submitting their not guilty pleas through two signed statements, all but ensuring a lengthy legal battle.

Loughlin and Giannulli are charged with paying $500,000 to guarantee both of their daughters’ admission into the University of Southern California. The criminal complaints against the couple detail evidence including emails, bank records and recorded phone calls.

“If they have real physical evidence against Lori Loughlin, she and her husband are going to be in for a quick guilty verdict and a big punishment,” CBS News legal analyst Rikki Klieman said.

So far, some 16 parents have decided to fight the charges. At least 13, including actress Felicity Huffman, have pleaded guilty.