Hollywood actress Felicity Huffman has been released on a $250,000 bail, after she was arrested alongside other rich American parents who were alleged to have bribed some officials to increase the SAT score of their children, in order for them to gain admission into elite colleges in America.
Felicity Huffman who was indicted in the US college bribery scandal, and arrested yesterday, was granted bail by Los Angeles Federal Court, and her passport deposited with the Court, and expected to pay the $250,000 bail bond.
Felicity Huffman is next expected to appear in Boston court March 29 for a preliminary hearing.
Huffman who was nicely dressed, answered “yes” several times during her hearing and when asked whether she understood the charges before her.
According to the investigation by the FBI and U.S. Attorney’s Office, Huffman specifically “made a purported charitable contribution of $15,000 to participate in the college entrance exam cheating scheme on behalf of her eldest daughter,” This is according to Andrew Lelling, the U.S. Attorney for the District of Massachusetts.
The CAA-repped Huffman also paid an undisclosed sum to an individual who “controlled” a Los Angeles SAT testing center to fix her daughter’s incorrect exam answers. That effort led to a massive increase in the daughter’s test score and consequently admission to a top college. deadline reports.
Variety also reported that the attorney to Fecility Huffman, Evan Jenness had asked that the actress be released on her own recognizance, but the request was refused. Federal prosecutor Adam Schleifer argued that a $250,000 bond was warranted, noting that her real estate assets are valued at more than $20 million, in addition to $4 million in liquid securities.
Schleifer also argued that Huffman’s alleged crime “bespeaks dishonesty, which is something the government takes seriously.”
Huffman shook her head in response.
Schleifer pressed the argument further, claiming that Huffman’s “conduct shows a complete willingness to violate norms of conduct, and part with money to take a shortcut.” Therefore, he argued, a substantial bond amount would be needed to secure her appearance at future court dates.
enness countered that Huffman is a mother with substantial ties to the community.
“This is not the kind of person who is going to become an international fugitive,” she said.
Huffman is one of 46 people charged in the largest university admissions scheme in U.S. history. Also charged are numerous CEOs, investors, and other elite professionals.
Huffman was arrested at her Los Angeles home on Tuesday morning. Although Macy was not charged in the case, the affidavit states that “Huffman and her spouse agreed to the plan.” Schleifer, the prosecutor, stated in court that Macy is “at minimum, a witness” in the case.
Loughlin was not at home on Tuesday morning, and has not yet been arrested. Authorities are working to negotiate her surrender. She, her husband, and Huffman each face a single count of mail fraud in connection with the scheme.
Loughlin and her husband are accused of paying $500,000 to get their two daughters into USC, as the husband’s bail was set at $1million. Variety reports.