Lori Loughlin's legal problems could well worsen

The actress Lori Loughlin and her husband, fashion designer Mossimo Giannulli, could face a civil lawsuit from the University of Southern California as part of the corruption scandal at the universities.

The couple is accused of paying $ 500,000 to Rick Singer, "admissions consultant," so that their two daughters can be rowed at USC.

The couple has pleaded not guilty to federal charges, and court documents filed by prosecutors indicate that this may not be their only legal battle.

"USC has implied that Latham's portrayal of Ms. Loughlin and Mr. Giannulli could conflict with her interests in potential civil litigation with these persons," said Latham lawyer & B & B Trach. Watkins in a letter filed by the Angeles Times attorneys.

Latham & Watkins represents USC in an independent case, the newspaper reported.

The documents filed did not specify "possible future civil litigation" and neither Trach nor USC commented. However, Trach wrote in the court's paper that any potential conflict was "completely speculative," CNN reported.

Prosecutors have stated that it would be "unfavorable" for the company to represent both the university and the couple. A petition filed by prosecutors, cited by USA Today, reads as follows:

"If the accused are found guilty, the United States of America will, by law, be guaranteed the right to restitution and victim impact statement, defense lawyers also having an obligation, on behalf of their individual customers, to examine closely and possibly to challenge.

The charges against Loughlin and Giannulli are part of a massive scandal in which wealthy families are accused of paying some $ 25 million to Singer's so-called charity to help their children get into college. Federal prosecutors say that the charity was a sham and that Singer and the parents broke several laws.

Singer has already pleaded guilty to racketeering conspiracy, money laundering conspiracy and obstruction of justice, among other charges. Several parents, including actress Felicity Huffman and several coaches from major universities, have also pleaded guilty to various charges in connection with this scandal.

Loughlin and Giannulli are among several parents who have decided to plead not guilty.

Loughlin, who has come to be known as Aunt Becky in the hit television series "Full House", has been better known in recent years for her work with Hallmark. The network abandoned after the scandal.