US TV stars to face federal charges over college admission scam

Actresses Lori Loughlin and Felicity Huffman are among a group of 11 wealthy parents expected in federal court on Wednesday as part of the college admissions scam, CNN reports.

The defendants are each charged with conspiracy to commit mail fraud and honest services mail fraud in what prosecutors called "Operation Varsity Blues." Authorities say the parents paid a college prep business to cheat on standardized tests and/or bribe college coaches in order to get their children into competitive universities.

The hearing will be the first time the public hears anything of significance from Loughlin about her role in the scheme. Several brands have distanced themselves from the "Full House" actress and her daughter, 19-year-old social media influencer Olivia Jade Giannulli, since the charges were announced.

 Loughlin's husband, the fashion designer Mossimo Giannulli, is also expected to appear in court Wednesday. Huffman's husband, the actor William H. Macy, is not charged in the case.