Huffman pleads guilty

AMERICAN actress Felicity Huffman (pictured) pleaded guilty on Monday for paying bribes to help her daughter gain admission to a prestigious university, avoiding what was sure to be a well-publicised trial and probably also dodging jail time.

The former Desperate Housewives star was the latest celebrity brought down by the wide-ranging college bribery scandal that’s snared a slew of wealthy American parents.

In a tearful appearance before federal judge Indira Talwani in Boston, Huffman pleaded guilty to paying $US15,000 ($A21,500) to boost her daughter’s SAT college entrance exam score.

The crime is punishable by up to 20 years in prison and a fine of as much as $US250,000, but by admitting guilt Huffman will likely avoid those penalties.

Federal prosecutors have recommended a sentence of a year’s probation and a $US20,000 fine, though the judge can modify the penalty if she pleases.

Huffman announced her intention to plead guilty last month, saying that she was “ashamed” of what she had done.

Sentencing is scheduled for September 13, US attorney for Massachusetts Andrew Lelling said.