“Desperate Housewives” actress Felicity Huffman and 13 others have pleaded guilty to charges of participating in what is being called the largest college admissions scam in United States history, reports The New York Times.
In a statement released earlier today, Huffman said, “I am pleading guilty to the charge brought against me by the United States Attorney’s Office.” She added, “I am in full acceptance of my guilt, and with deep regret and shame over what I have done, I accept full responsibility for my actions and will accept the consequences that stem from those actions. I am in full acceptance of my guilt, and with deep regret and shame over what I have done, I accept full responsibility for my actions and will accept the consequences that stem from those actions.”
Emphasizing that her eldest daughter, Sofia Grace Macy, was not aware of what her mother had done, Huffman apologized publicly for the first time. “My daughter knew absolutely nothing about my actions, and in my misguided and profoundly wrong way, I have betrayed her. This transgression toward her and the public I will carry for the rest of my life. My desire to help my daughter is no excuse to break the law or engage in dishonesty,” Huffman said.
Huffman, along with “When Calls the Heart” and “Fuller House” actress Lori Loughlin (ex-Jody Travis, “The Edge of Night”) and nearly 50 others were charged last month with conspiracy to commit mail fraud and honest services mail fraud. Huffman was released on $250,000 bail while Loughlin and her husband, Mossimo Giannulli, were released at $1 million each for their part in the scandal.
At press time, Loughlin nor her husband have entered a plea with the United States Attorney’s Office. Loughlin appeared in court last week and sparked controversy over her behavior, which included signing autographs, smiling and waving at fans and how she handled herself around prosecutors in the courtroom.