Lori Loughlin and husband Mossimo Giannulli have pleaded guilty to charges in the college admissions scandal and are awaiting a judge to approve their plea deal. They are facing very different sentences and a legal expert is now dishing on why.
"Mossimo took the more active role of the two," the source told People, referencing the scheme that the couple, along with dozens of other wealthy parents, were charged for conspiring with California college admissions consultant, William "Rick" Singer, to use bribery and fraud to secure their children's admission to top schools.
Loughlin and Giannulli were accused of paying Singer $500,000 to fabricate parts of their daughters' University of Southern California applications so they could be admitted as fake rowing team recruits.
The insider said the money came from Giannulli.
"He dealt with Rick Singer more frequently and was the one who originally connected with him," the source continued, "Lori was a bit more passive, but she was aware of everything that Mossimo was doing."
On Friday, Loughlin and Giannulli pleaded guilty to conspiracy to commit wire and mail fraud. Loughlin has agreed to serve two months in prison, pay $150,000 fine and complete 100 hours of community. Giannulli meanwhile, has agreed to serve five months, pay $250,000 and complete 250 hours of community service, according to People. The terms of the plea agreement is pending a judge's approval.
"Lori and Mossimo deeply regret what they did," the insider said. "This experience has taken a huge emotional and physical toll on both of them."
The legal source added that there was light at the end of the tunnel.
"They want to serve their sentences, pay their dues and put this behind them."