Prosecutors say even more people could be charged in the college admissions scandal, and parents are scared
- Defense lawyers told the New York Times that an unknown number of parents have been informed that they are under investigation as part of the college admissions scandal.
- At least three students have been sent target letters about the investigation, The Times reported.
- Federal prosecutors said the investigation into the scandal is still ongoing and more people could be charged.
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Federal prosecutors said more people could be charged in the college admissions scandal as investigators continue to probe parents connected to the scheme.
Defense lawyers told the New York Times that federal prosecutors have told an unknown number of parents that they're under investigation in the scandal.
At least three students have been sent target letters about the investigation, the Times reported. So far, no student has been charged as part of the scheme.
Fifty people were charged in the college admissions scandal in March, including its ringleader, William "Rick" Singer, as well as college coaches and 30 parents.
Prosecutors allege that parents paid up to $6.5 million for Singer to bribe college coaches and entrance exam administrators to guarantee their children spots at elite universities.
Singer and 19 others, including actress Felicity Huffman, have pleaded guilty in the case. Thirty others,including actress Lori Loughlin and her husband, Mossimo Giannulli, have pleaded not guilty and could face hefty prison sentences.
Christina Sterling, a spokeswoman for the office of the United States attorney for the District of Massachusetts (USAMA), told The Times that the investigation remains active and additional defendants could face charges.
INSIDER has contacted the USAMA for comment.
Defense lawyers told The Times that some clients of Singer's who were not charged are fearing they will be targeted next.
"For many of these people, this is the only thing they can think about," one defense lawyer told The Times.
- Read more:
- The ringleader of the college admissions scandal is spending his days at a pool club in Florida as he awaits sentencing in the scheme
- Lori Loughlin reportedly plans to say she didn't know about the scam to get her kids into USC — even though they were admitted for a sport they don't play
- Lori Loughlin's husband lied about going to USC. Here's where the other parents involved in the college admissions scandal went to school.
- The college admissions scandal highlights just how much successful people believe an elite education matters
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