Latest news with #RickSinger
New York Post
16-07-2025
- Entertainment
- New York Post
‘Varsity Blues' mastermind Rick Singer can resume coaching college hopefuls — if he discloses celeb admission scandal conviction
The mastermind behind the sweeping 'Varsity Blues' college admissions bribery scandal that ensnared celebs Lori Loughlin and Felicity Huffman can resume coaching college hopefuls, as long as he discloses his bombshell conviction. Massachusetts federal Judge Denise Casper ruled Monday that Rick Singer, 64, can start working again at his company ID Future Stars, which does consulting work for students trying to get into top universities. 3 'Varsity Blues' admission scandal mastermind Rick Singer can continue working as a college coach, as long as he divulges his criminal past, a judge ruled earlier this week. REUTERS Advertisement But Singer must post 'prominently' on his website a lengthy disclaimer about his criminal past and provide prospective clients with a notice containing the same disclosure, the judge ruled. Singer was freed in March 2025 after serving a 42-month sentence for his 2019 guilty plea to charges of racketeering, money laundering and obstruction for taking bribes to help students get accepted to elite colleges by faking their test scores and exaggerating their achievements and credentials on applications. 'In March 2019, Rick Singer pled guilty to federal charges-including racketeering conspiracy, money laundering conspiracy, conspiracy to defraud the United States, and obstruction of justice-for his role in what was widely-publicized as the 'Varsity Blues' college admissions scheme,' the disclaimer begins. Advertisement The statement must also include the fact that Singer took in $25 million in bribes, $7 million of which he paid to his cronies and another $15 million he used 'for his own benefit.' He also must reveal the length of his prison sentence and divulge the fact he had to fork over nearly $20 million in restitution and assets. And he must link to a press release from the federal prosecutor's office that handled his case. Aaron Katz, a lawyer for Singer, said his client doesn't mind the requirement shedding light on his shady past, according to a USA Today report. 3 Actress Lori Loughlin was one of the celebrities who pleaded guilty to allegedly paying bribes to Singer to help her kids get into school. REUTERS Advertisement Singer has 'no problem advising current and future clients of his past actions … he had been doing so even prior to the court's ruling,' Katz told the outlet. As of Wednesday, the ID Future Stars website did not appear to feature the court-ordered statement. But the site does hint at Singer's wrongdoing in a statement by him, saying: 'I am not afraid to tell people who I am and that I made a mistake, took full responsibility and want to share my expertise, passion, and desire to help shape our next generation's leaders.' 3 Actress Felicity Huffman served 11 days behind bars after she admitting to bribing Singer for her kid to get into a good school. REUTERS Advertisement In his scam, Singer collected purported 'donations' from the rich and famous, including 'Desperate Housewives' and 'Full House' actresses Huffman and Loughlin, that went to his disadvantaged youth charity Key Worldwide Foundation. Instead, he used the money for himself and to pay people off who were complicit in the scheme, including those who could help him fake test scores for applicants. Huffman and Loughlin both pleaded guilty for paying into Singer's conspiracy to help their kids get into prestigious schools. Huffman served eleven days of her two-week sentence and Loughlin served two months in a California federal lock-up. The scandal erupted in 2019 following a federal investigation dubbed 'Varsity Blues,' which ultimately saw at least 50 people convicted for their participation in the scheme.
Fox News
15-07-2025
- Fox News
Rick Singer allowed to return to college consulting business after infamous 'Varsity Blues' scandal
Rick Singer, the 64-year-old man at the center of the "Varsity Blues" college admissions scandal was allowed to return to his old job by a federal judge, but must disclose his criminal past to potential clients. Singer's new coaching company ID Future Stars, which is focused on college consulting, says it provides "comprehensive life coaching and college admissions guidance with a hands-on approach that discovers how we can best help your child achieve their dreams," according to its website. Chief District Judge Denise Casper wrote in a Monday order that Singer must provide a specific, lengthy and detailed notice to parents seeking to retain him. "In March 2019, Rick Singer pled guilty to federal charges-including racketeering conspiracy, money laundering conspiracy, conspiracy to defraud the United States, and obstruction of justice-for his role in what was widely-publicized as the 'Varsity Blues' college admissions scheme," the court ordered statement says. "Specifically, Mr. Singer admitted to,among other things: bribing standardized test proctors and administrators to engage in cheating on college entrance exams (i.e., the SAT and ACT); falsifying students' academic transcripts by paying third parties to take classes in their names; falsifying students' college applications with fake awards, athletic activities, and fabricated essays; and bribing college athletic coaches and administrators, through purported donations to their programs and personal bribes, to designate students as athletic recruits based on falsified athletic credentials. As part of the scheme, Mr. Singer took in more than $25 million from his clients, from which he made payments to co-conspirators totaling more than $7 million, and transferred, spent, or otherwise used more than $15 million for his own benefit." The statement ordered by the judge did not end there. "On January 4, 2023, a federal court in Boston sentenced Mr. Singer to 42 months in prison and three years of supervised release. He was also ordered to pay more than $10 million in restitution and to forfeit assets totaling more than $8.7 million. The U.S. Department of Justices press release announcing Mr. Singers sentence can be found at: Mr. Singer served his prison sentence and is currently on supervised release. The terms of Mr. Singer's supervised release require him to provide this disclosure," it continued. Singer was found guilty in a bribery scheme where he helped celebrities, business people and wealthy clients get their kids into elite schools. He was sentenced to 3 ½ years in prison in 2023. Prosecutors said Singer received over $25 million from clients and paid bribes which amounted to over $7 million. Singer also used over $15 million of money from clients for his own personal advantage, prosecutors also said. "Full House" actor Lori Laughlin, her husband Mossimo Giannulli and "Desperate Housewives" actor Felicity Huffman were also handed prison time for their participation in the scandal. Fox News Digital reached out to Singer for comment.
14-07-2025
'Varsity Blues' cheating scandal mastermind must disclose criminal past to new clients: Judge
Rick Singer, the mastermind behind the nationwide college admissions cheating scandal known as "Varsity Blues," can return to his former job as long as he warns parents about his criminal past, a federal judge in Boston ruled Monday. Federal prosecutors balked at Singer advising prospective undergraduates regarding their college applications after he served time in federal prison for facilitating bribes among wealthy parents, test proctors and elite universities. Singer established a new college consulting service, ID Future Stars, which, according to its website, offers "personalized coaching, expert guidance, and comprehensive support." Chief District Judge Denise Casper said it must now include the following two paragraphs: "In March 2019, Rick Singer pled guilty to federal charges including racketeering conspiracy, money laundering conspiracy, conspiracy to defraud the United States, and obstruction of justice for his role in what was widely-publicized as the 'Varsity Blues' college admissions scheme. Specifically, Mr. Singer admitted to, among other things: bribing standardized test proctors and administrators to engage in cheating on college entrance exams (i.e., the SAT and ACT); falsifying students' academic transcripts by paying third parties to take classes in their names; falsifying students' college applications with fake awards, athletic activities, and fabricated essays; and bribing college athletic coaches and administrators, through purported donations to their programs and personal bribes, to designate students as athletic recruits based on falsified athletic credentials." The court-mandated statement continued: "As part of the scheme, Mr. Singer took in more than $25 million from his clients, from which he made payments to co-conspirators totaling more than $7 million, and transferred, spent, or otherwise used more than $15 million for his own benefit. On January 4, 2023, a federal court in Boston sentenced Mr. Singer to 42 months in prison and three years of supervised release. He was also ordered to pay more than $10 million in restitution and to forfeit assets totaling more than $8.7 million." Singer is required to post the statement prominently on the ID Futures Stars website and to also provide a written copy to parents, students or other entities seeking to retain him, Casper said. As part of his plea deal, Singer helped federal prosecutors in Boston with their sweeping investigation into bribes paid to athletic coaches, SAT and ACT proctors, and others so students of wealthy parents could cheat their way into some of the country's best-known schools. Actresses Lori Loughlin and Felicity Huffman were among the more than three dozen parents charged. Singer continued to advise prospective undergraduates on their college applications while serving his sentence in federal prison in Florida, and from a California halfway house after his release.
Daily Mail
03-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Daily Mail
Todd Chrisley reveals jailhouse confrontation with star who 'talked smack' about daughter Savannah
Todd Chrisley has revealed he clashed with a very well-known prison inmate who dared to criticize his daughter Savannah's efforts to secure his release. The former jailbird, 56, who alongside wife Julie was granted a presidential pardon by Donald Trump last month, laid into 'Varsity Blues' college admissions scam mastermind Rick Singer in a candid interview on Savannah's Unlocked podcast. The Chrisley Knows Best stars served time for bank fraud and tax evasion - with Todd memorably crossing paths with Singer at Pensacola's Federal Prison Camp. Referring only to Singer as the 'college admissions guy' and a 'snitch', Chrisley fumed: 'He was talking s*** about Savannah, because that's when she had already started, you know, pulling the Barbara Walters and exposing everything in the [Bureau of Prisons]. 'He started talking smack. I said, "I will rip your head off and s*** down your neck if you talk about my child again." And I meant what I said.' In January 2023 Singer was sentenced to three and a half years in prison after pleading guilty in 2019 to racketeering, money laundering and obstruction charges. The court heard he accepted bribes totaling more than $25 million from desperate parents - including celebrities such as Lori Loughlin and Felicity Huffman - who wanted to get their kids into some of the country's best schools. In August 2024 he was released to a halfway house near Los Angeles to serve the rest of his sentence. This comes after Todd and Julie finally reunited and are now sharing the emotional details in a new interview with ABC News Studios, where they reflected on seeing each other for the first time in years. 'I was a little nervous,' Julie, 52, said about her reunion with Todd during the interview. 'Just because, you know, you think, "Oh my gosh, I've been away this long." But then, when I saw him, it was as if no time had passed.' Todd, 56, said that the idea of reuniting felt 'weird,' because he never really considered that he and Julie were 'apart.' 'And you know for me, it's just weird, because she was never away from me,' he explained. 'Even the whole time we were apart. She was with me every second, every breath that I took.' Todd continued: 'I mean, when I saw her, I was grateful to wrap my arms around her, but it was just more like, "I'm home."' Julie added that there was 'laughter and tears' at their reunion, which was filmed. Todd chimed in, 'A lot of that came after the cameras were not on.' And after so much time apart, the first thing Todd and Julie did together was have dinner with their family. Todd said, 'You know, we get to start over,' before saying that sleeping in his own bed again was 'heaven.' Both of them agreed that being able to shower at the leisure, without shower shoes, was thrilling. 'It was almost like your first sexual encounter. That good,' Todd joked. But the most emotional part of coming home was reuniting with their daughter Chloe, 12. 'You know, even though we had gotten to see each other [during visitations], it's not the same as when you're home,' Julie said. 'On our way home, she was literally watching on her phone — she was tracking where we were — to know how close I was. So I think it was just — it was a special moment,' she continued. Todd also recently shared the thoughts running through his mind when he and his wife were sentenced. 'I remember going in and that night, I was so angry with God and that night when the lights went out, I literally cried myself to sleep because it's the first time Julie and I have ever been away from each other since we had been married,' the Chrisley patriarch told Lara Trump. 'I'd never not been in that house when my kids woke up in the morning or when they went to bed at night,' Chrisley recalled. He was sentenced to 12 years - which was later knocked down to 10 - and served time at the Pensacola Federal Prison Camp in Florida, while wife Julie was imprisoned three states away at the Federal Medical Center Lexington in Kentucky. 'And I just said, God, why?' Chrisley continued. 'I've tried to be a loyal and faithful servant.' 'Why are you allowing this to happen? You know these things are not true,' he said. Prosecutors pushed that the Chrisleys had used false documents and exaggerated financial statements to secure more than $30 million in loans, which they used to fund their lavish lifestyle, which was on full display on their reality TV show that went on for 10 seasons. 'And in my dream, God came to me and he said that I have planted you where I need you and when you leave, they will rise,' Chrisley recounted. 'I look back on that dream now and I now understand when he said "when you leave they will rise" because they're rising through President Trump,' the former reality TV star said. 'So I am grateful for that.'
Fox News
02-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Fox News
Todd Chrisley got into prison fight with ‘Varsity Blues' scandal mastermind: ‘I will rip your head off'
"Chrisley Knows Best" star Todd Chrisley recalled how he allegedly clashed behind bars with "Varsity Blues" college admission scandal mastermind Rick Singer. In May, Todd, 57, and his wife Julie, 52, who were incarcerated after being convicted of federal bank fraud and tax evasion, were released from federal prison after they received pardons from President Donald Trump. During a joint appearance on their daughter Savannah Chrisley's "Unlocked" podcast on Tuesday, Todd and Julie reflected on their experiences when they were serving time in separate facilities in Kentucky and Florida. "Daddy almost got sent to [a different] county one time," Savannah, 27, remembered. "What? When I jumped on that guy? About you?" Todd asked, referring to Singer, who was his fellow inmate at Federal Prison Camp Pensacola in Pensacola, Florida. Todd went on to slam Singer, branding the former basketball coach a "snitch who told on Lori Loughlin and her husband [fashion designer husband Mossimo Giannulli]." He claimed that Singer denied his cooperation with the federal investigation. "He was talking smack, saying that, you know, he didn't wear a wire. He never told on anyone. The Feds set him up. This, that and the other," the former reality star alleged. "He came and asked me, he said, 'Have you started your book?' And I said, 'No.' He said, 'I've started working on mine.' And I said, 'Well, I hope that the first chapter introduces you as the biggest snitch in America,'" Todd claimed. "I told him about Felicity and Bill [Huffman's husband William H. Macy, who was not charged in the scandal] and Lori and them, and I said, 'I don't want to ever have another conversation with you.'" Todd said. "And so, he turned around and walked out." However, Todd said that he had another encounter with Singer months later in which he claimed that the former businessman spoke disparagingly of Savannah and her advocacy for her parents' release. "He was talking s--- about Savannah, 'cause that's when s--- already started pulling to Barbara Walters and exposing everything in the BOP [Federal Bureau of Prisons]," Todd claimed. "So he started talking smack. And so I just walked up to him and I said, 'I'm gonna say this one more time. I'm already in prison,'" Todd continued. "I said, 'I will rip your head off and s--- down your neck if you talk about my child again.'" "And I meant what I said," he added. "I was like, 'I don't need you to be afraid of me. Just be aware that if my daughter's name comes out of your mouth again, I will rip your head off and s--- down your neck.'" Todd explained that he "never had another problem" with Singer, noting that their heated interactions were "really the only issue" he had during his incarceration. Singer's lawyer did not immediately respond to Fox News Digital's request for comment. Singer was the ringleader behind the 2019 college admissions scandal in which he received payments totaling over $25 million from numerous parents, including the "Full House" actress and "Desperate Housewives" star Felicity Huffman, to help their children gain acceptance into some of the nation's most selective schools with bogus test scores and athletic credentials. Singer began secretly cooperating with investigators and worked with the FBI to record hundreds of phone calls and meetings before the arrest of dozens of parents and athletic coaches in March 2019. In 2023, Singer was sentenced to 42 months in prison after pleading guilty to charges of racketeering conspiracy, money laundering conspiracy, obstruction of justice and conspiracy to defraud the United States. He was also ordered to pay $10 million in restitution to the federal government. Loughlin, Giannulli and Huffman also served prison time for their involvement in the case authorities dubbed "Operation Varsity Blues." After spending 16 months at the Federal Prison Camp Pensacola, Singer was released in August 2024 to serve out his sentence at a half-way house in Los Angeles. Prior to their presidential pardons, Todd and Julie were serving a combined 19-year prison sentence. The pair were released on May 28, and have consistently maintained their innocence.
