The largest prosecuted college admissions scandal in U.S. history resulted in a six-week prison sentence for liquor magnates, who bribed their son's way into the University of Southern California.
The founder of Preservation Distillery arrived at federal court in Boston. Photographer: Scott Eisen.
Palatella was sentenced to six months of home confinement and fined $250,000.
Palatella pleaded guilty in August to honest services mail fraud, a charge that can carry a sentence of up to 20 years in prison, three years of supervised release and a fine of $250,000 or twice the gross gain or loss incurred by the crime, whichever is greater.
Palatella arranged with a college admissions consultant to have her son admitted to USC as a football recruit.
Palatella paid a lot of money to have her son's SAT answers doctored.
Palatella agreed to lie to the IRS if they asked about the payments, prosecutors said.
Donna Heinel, the USC senior associate athletic director, pleaded guilty to honest services wire fraud for her part in the wider college admissions scandal.
The Preservation Distillery in Burlingame, Kentucky, is owned by Palatella's International Beverage.
William "Rick" Singer leaves the John Joseph Moakley United States Courthouse in Boston.
Boston Globe.
The 33rd parent to plead guilty is Palatella. Desperate Housewives actress Felicity Huffman was snared by investigators. Singer pleaded guilty to a combination of charges including racketeering conspiracy, which can carry a combined penalty of up to 65 years in prison and $1.25 million in fines.
The number is big.
57. There were many people charged in the investigation.
We don't know what we don't know.
Will Singer, who prosecutors say made $25 million through student admissions bribes, go to jail? Singer is free despite facing up to 65 years in prison. Singer would be sentenced to imprisonment at the low end of sentencing guidelines and three years of supervised release.
The distribution executive got six weeks in prison for his role in the college scandal.
30 fast facts about the college admissions scandal.
