Lori Loughlin and her husband Mossimo Giannulli may have gotten a break this week. The judge presiding over the case cracked down on the University of Southern California (USC) in a way that might help their case.

Judge Cracks Down On USC

Fox News reported that the judge in the Loughlin case has ordered USC to  hand over unredacted documents in the college admissions scandal in the hopes of proving that the institution often admits the offspring of people of influence.

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The judge believes that the university has been lying to the court by redacting key information in the documents about their admissions processes. She is under the impression that the redacted information is hiding a “side door” used to admit the children of the rich and famous. TMZ reported that she came to this conclusion after seeing unredacted emails that “directly contradict” the prosecutors’ claim that USC does not offer special treatment to anyone.

Loughlin And Giannulli’s Defense

Loughlin and Giannulli’s defense has always been that they were unaware that the $500,000 they paid to USC through Rick Singer, the mastermind behind the scam, was being used as bribe money. They thought they were making a legitimate donation of the school. If it is proven that USC has been open to donations in return for side-door admissions in the past, it will certainly help the couple’s case.

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This could not have come at a better time for Loughlin and Giannulli, as they are currently facing 45 years in prison on a variety of charges in this case.

Prosecutors believe that they knowingly paid the $500,000 to have their two daughters, Isabella and Olivia Jade, admitted to USC as members of the crew team, even though neither girl had ever rowed before. However, last month, the couple’s lawyers accused prosecutors of withholding evidence that would prove that Loughlin and Giannulli had no idea what was going on in regards to the scam.

This Is Good News For Loughlin And Giannulli

At the very least, it would seem that the judge is exploring the university’s part in the scandal. This could eventually help out Loughlin and Giannulli. They have been charged with conspiracy to commit federal program bribery. And, previous charges of money laundering and conspiracy which could total up to 45 years in prison if convicted. As astounding as it may seem after everything that has happened, Loughlin and Giannulli might end up avoiding prison altogether after all.