Felicity Huffman: Actor pleads guilty in college admissions scandal

Prosecutors recommend a four-month prison sentence

Felicity Huffman pleaded guilty on Monday to paying to rig a college entrance exam for her daughter, as part of what authorities have described as a wide-ranging college admissions scandal.

The former Desperate Housewives star pleaded guilty in federal court in Boston to a conspiracy charge related to her payment of $15,000 to have someone secretly correct her daughter's answers on the SAT exam.

Assistant US Attorney Eric Rosen said prosecutors recommended a four-month prison sentence and a $20,000 fine for Huffman.

The actor is among 50 people accused of allegedly taking part in a scheme that involved cheating or bribery, according to authorities.

William "Rick" Singer, a California college admissions consultant, pleaded guilty in March to charges that he facilitated cheating and helped bribe university sports coaches to present clients' children as fake athletic recruits.

Some 20 people so far have agreed to plead guilty since officials carried out a wave of arrests under the code name "Operation Varsity Blues" on March 12. Prosecutors have said the investigation is ongoing.

Prosecutors have charged 33 parents with allegedly participating in the scheme with Singer, including Huffman, who was nominated for an Oscar for best actress for her role in 2005's Transamerica, and Lori Loughlin, who starred in the TV series Full House.

Huffman walked into the courthouse with her brother on Monday and did not speak to reporters during her arrival.

Additional reporting by agencies