Life in Federal Prison: What Parents in the College Admissions Scandal Face

Former inmates describe the harsh reality awaiting Felicity Huffman, Lori Loughlin, and other parents in the scandal. Specifically, they portray federal prison as a dehumanizing ordeal no one can soften.

For instance, in 2015, Holli Coulman, a former Hewlett-Packard executive assistant convicted of fraud, surrendered at Victorville’s minimum-security prison. She savored a final home glance and a hearty breakfast, unsure of her next decent meal. Upon arrival, she kissed her husband goodbye, faced intake on brown paper, surrendered clothes, and underwent a contraband search. Now advising at Wall Street Prison Consultants, Coulman endured worse indignities over 15 months.

Facing Sentencing

Meanwhile, on September 13, 2019, Felicity Huffman learned if she’d surrender to a U.S. Bureau of Prisons facility. Similarly, eleven other wealthy parents who pleaded guilty awaited their fates within two months. Consequently, Coulman and others warn that prison offers no comforts. “It was horrifying,” Martha Stewart said in 2017, noting nothing feels tolerable.

A Harsh Reality

Moreover, white-collar defendants like Huffman, Bay Area parents, and Lori Loughlin—who pleaded not guilty—face leaving luxury for crowded dorms and subpar food. They endure guard harassment and lose control over time. For example, Huffman contests the one-month sentence. Her attorneys push for probation and a $20,000 fine, citing no financial harm. However, prosecutors demand jail time to prove accountability. They seek one month for Peter Jan Sartorio, four for Majorie Klapper, and 15 for Augustin Huneeus Jr.

The Crime’s Impact

Furthermore, prosecutors accuse these parents of bribing to secure college admissions, depriving deserving students. “In prison, everyone faces equal treatment,” they argue, leveling wealth and fame.

Loss of Control

Additionally, Martha Stewart, jailed five months in 2004 for lying to investigators, told Katie Couric in 2017 that only murderers should endure prison’s indignity. She struggled with losing control. Likewise, Michael Frantz, who served 36 months for tax evasion, says white-collar defendants find prison’s lack of control jarring.

Navigating Rules

Piper Kerman’s Orange is the New Black details prison’s complex rules. Thus, inmates must learn them fast or face ridicule, conflicts, or solitary confinement. Although minimum-security prisons pose little threat from violence, resentment from less privileged inmates looms, says Larry Levine. He advises respect and silence to avoid drama.

Guard Challenges

Besides, inmates face guards. For instance, Kerman and Coulman report harassment. Coulman tolerated it, fearing lost privileges, and faced 60 days in solitary after exposing safety issues. Similarly, Levine, jailed 10 years for fraud, notes guards’ minimal training fosters hostility.

Preparing for Prison

Moreover, Frantz and Levine stress early preparation. Defendants must secure safe prisons, organize affairs, and excel in pre-sentencing interviews. These influence sentences and program eligibility. Frantz helps request perks like bottom bunks. For example, Coulman wired $360 for commissary items. Inmates eased her first day with shampoo and a Hershey bar.

Daily Grind

Furthermore, Levine likens prison to “Groundhog Day”: up at 6 a.m., work, eat, lights out by 10 p.m. Stewart cleaned offices; Levine held a clerical job, finding purpose. Free time allows exercise or reading. Consequently, Coulman, barred from her prior career, became a paralegal. She advises planning post-prison life, noting, “Surviving this strengthens you.”

Explore federal prison preparation at bop.gov.