Scam on admissions to college: the former real estate president and his wife plead guilty

The authorities claim that Isackson agreed to pay William "Rick" Singer, the man at the center of the alleged scam, a total value of $ 600,000. In exchange for payment, Singer helped two of their girls cheat on their ACT exams and facilitated their entry into UCLA and USC by falsely tagging them as recruited athletes.

Isackson was president of WP Investments, a real estate company in Woodside, California, according to a version removed from the company's website. The Isackson are among the 14 wealthy parents who pleaded guilty to the sprawling swindle scam. Nineteen other parents, including actress Lori Loughlin and her husband, designer Mossimo Giannulli, pleaded not guilty to plotting fraud and money laundering conspiracy.

Prosecutors said in court that Elizabeth Henriquez – a parent who had pleaded not guilty as part of this scheme – had informed the Isackson of Singer and introduced it.

Both Isackson gave up their right to an indictment before a grand jury. They each spoke to answer the judge's procedural questions. Bruce was wearing a dark blue suit with clasped hands. While the judge was reading the charges against Davina, his lawyer gave him a pat on the back.

A dozen other parents, including actress Felicity Huffman, will also plead guilty later this month.

What did they do

In addition to using the cheating system in college exams for two girls, Isackson also considered doing so for their third child before their arrest, authorities said.

"I think we'll definitely pay cash this time, and no, no, not – do not run it the other way," Bruce Isackson told Singer in a recorded conversation, according to the complaint.

Singer pleaded guilty to leading the ploy and cooperating with the government.

The criminal complaint indicates that Isackson used Singer's services to try to bring their eldest daughter to the USC as a footballer. Due to a "clerical error", his application was sent to the regular admission group.

A few months later, USC football coach Ali Khosroshahin, also accused of the scandal, passed on his daughter's football profile to the head coach of the men's football. UCLA as a "football player / coach". She was later admitted to UCLA.

Subsequently, Davina Isackson thanked Singer in an email and copied Bruce Isackson and the girl in the email, the complaint said.

"I know the race has been tough, but I thank you from the bottom of my heart and soul for your perseverance, your creativity and your commitment to help. [our daughter]," she wrote.

The Isackson also participated in the scam to improve the test results of their second daughter and ensure their admission to the USC as a rookie of the crew, even if she did not participate in the competition, according to the complaint.

The authorities also claim that the Isacksons have underpaid their federal income taxes by deducting bribe payments as so-called charitable contributions.