I finally got a chance to read the article and came here to comment on exactly this part. And this:
"“Calling in favors, donating money to the alumni association, hiring consultants. Those are all things that parents do. And so they gave money to this consultant, not entirely knowing everything that was going to be done," the source explained. "When it all fell apart, nobody was as surprised as they were that they were in trouble.”"
Such baloney. They had their daughters
pose for 'rowing pictures', caused a scene in the guidance counselor's office and got cautioned not to do it again because they might out the whole scheme, and were in phone calls with Singer where they clearly knew their so-called charitable donations were all that - so-called.
Please. Just because I didn't graduate from USC doesn't mean I'm too dumb to see through lies.
MOO
Oh and in case anyone forgot (are you listening, Lori and Massimo?), here's what
actually happened ('allegedly'):
Lori Loughlin Allegedly Discussed With Scam Ringleader How to Explain Her Bribe to the IRS
"“I just want to give you a heads-up that my foundation is being audited,” Singer — identified as a cooperating witness in the affidavit — allegedly said to Giannulli in one conversation. “They asked me about your 2 payments of $200,000. And, of course, I’m not gonna say anything about your payments going to [crew coach] Donna Heinel at USC to get the girls into USC, through crew.”
“Sure,” Giannulli allegedly responded.
“So I just want to make sure our stories are the same, and that your $400K was paid to our foundation to help underserved kids.”
In a subsequent call with Loughlin, Singer allegedly repeated the information about the IRS. Loughlin allegedly agreed that they would tell the IRS that the money they paid was a charitable donation, and not used to secure Olivia Jade’s spot at USC.
“So we just have to say we made a donation to your foundation and that’s it, end of story,” Loughlin allegedly said."
