By sharing FBI interview statements fromWilliam “Rick” Singer, the man at the center of the scandal, the celebrity couple’s defense team hopes to show that Loughlin, 55, and Giannulli, 56, didn’t know their donations would be used as bribes. The motion asserts that not sharing the evidence prevents a fair trial.
“The Government appears to be concealing exculpatory evidence that helps show that both Defendants believed all of the payments they made would go to USC itself — for legitimate, university-approved purposes — or to other legitimate charitable causes,” read the motion, which was filed at Massachusetts’ U.S. District Court.
The source explains that theFuller Housestar did not fully understand her alleged actions.
“She did not have any intent to do something illegal, and in fact she thought she was doing the right thing,” the source continues. “That’s why she hasn’t pleaded guilty; frankly, she believes that she is innocent and that the evidence shown in court will prove that. Unfortunately, it seems as though the prosecution is hell-bent on making examples out of people, and not playing fair.”
The United States Attorney’s Office in Massachusetts declined to comment.
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Loughlin and her fashion designer husband allegedly paid $500,000 to admissions consultant Singer (and his nonprofit organization, Key Worldwide Foundation, or “KWF”) to falsely designate daughtersOlivia Jade Giannulli, 20, andIsabella Rose Giannulli, 21, as recruits to the University of Southern California crew team, though neither actually participated in the sport.
The source close to Loughlin declined to address the allegations that she had staged photos that falsely depicted her daughters using crew equipment.
In addition to charges of money laundering conspiracy, conspiracy to commit mail and wire fraud and honest services mail and wire fraud, Loughlin and Giannulli were handed anadditional federal chargein October: one count each of conspiracy to commit federal programs bribery. They have pleadednot guilty.
The defense team, in the court documents, says it’s key to the case how the parents were told their monetary donations were to be spent. In releasing the Singer statements, they think it can show that Loughlin wasn’t aware the money would be used for bribery.
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“As noted, in making their case to the jury, Giannulli and Loughlin intend to present evidence that they reasonably believed KWF was a bona fide charitable organization, and that their payments to KWF would support programs geared toward helping underprivileged children,” reads the filing.
The sourcepreviously told PEOPLEthat Loughlin believes she has a “valid defense.”
“Lori in particular has become extremely well-versed in the case,” the source said at the time. “She’s an active participant in her own defense.”
The source added: “She feels like she’s got a valid defense, and that when all the evidence comes out, that she won’t be found guilty. She still is looking into the avenues to defend herself against what she thinks is a meritless charge.”
source: people.com
