On Monday, April 8, actress Felicity Huffman pleaded guilty to charges of conspiracy to commit mail fraud and honest services mail fraud in connection to her alleged participation in a nationwide college admissions scam. The Desperate Housewives alum, 56, released a full statement where she accepted “full responsibility” for her actions, claimed that her daughter Sofia Macy knew “nothing” about the scam and she apologized to students and parents who work hard to get into college “honestly.”

“I am pleading guilty to the charge brought against me by the United States Attorney’s Office. 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,” read the statement obtained by In Touch. “I am ashamed of the pain I have caused my daughter, my family, my friends, my colleagues and the educational community. I want to apologize to them and, especially. I want to apologize to the students who work hard every day to get into college, and to their parents who make tremendous sacrifices to support their children and do so honestly.”

felicity huffman plead guilty college admissions scam
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On March 12, Huffman was indicted and arrested on federal charges along with dozens of other parents who were allegedly involved in the scam — including fellow actress Lori Loughlin. She was later released after she made an appearance in court and posted $250,000 bond. She appeared in court on April 3 where Judge M. Page Kelley revealed that Huffman, along with the others involved, would be facing the maximum sentence of 20 years in federal prison, three years probation and a $250,000 fine.

Huffman and her husband, actor William H. Macy, are being accused of allegedly making “a purported charitable contribution of $15,000 to KWF to participate in the college entrance exam cheating scheme on behalf of her oldest daughter,” 18-year-old Sofia, according to documents obtained by In Touch. In Huffman’s statement, she maintained her daughter’s innocence in the scam.

“My daughter knew absolutely nothing about my actions, and in my misguided and profoundly wrong way, I have betrayed her,” the statement continued. “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.”

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