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17 Parents Charged in College Cheating Scheme Scheduled for Hearing

Wealthy parents were charged with conspiracy after they allegedly bribed their children's way into top universities

Hollywood actress Lori Loughlin, her fashion designer husband Mossimo Giannulli and 15 others are scheduled to be arraigned Monday for their alleged participation in the nationwide college admissions cheating scandal.

All parents who have a hearing on Monday have waived their right to appear in court and will be represented by attorneys.

Federal prosecutors added money laundering to the list of charges against 16 parents who allegedly participated in the scheme, including Loughlin and Giannulli. The added charge increases the pressure on the parents to plead guilty like others in the scheme have.

Dozens of wealthy parents were charged with conspiracy to commit mail and wire fraud after an investigation determined they bribed their children's way into elite universities.  Some parents paid to have their children recruited as athletes to get admitted into their university of choice while others paid to have their children's entrance exam results altered.

Parents who participated in the scheme made payments disguised as charitable donations and some were allegedly able to get tax write offs for them.

The alleged ringleader behind the scheme, William "Rick" Singer, pleaded guilty for his role in the scandal and is said to be cooperating with officials.

Hollywood actress Felicity Huffman also agreed to guilty in the scheme, along with 12 other parents and a coach.

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