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For much of the world, the dust has begun to settle as news of the college bribery scandal begins to peter out.

For actress Lori Loughlin, however, the drama is just beginning.

Loughlin
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As you’re probably aware, Loughlin has been at the forefront of the scandal from day one.

She stands accused of doling out $500,000 in bribes in order to secure her daughters’ admission to USC.

Several high-profile parents participated in elaborate cons in order to help their kids attend the colleges of their choice, and most of them accepted plea deals in order to avoid serving time in prison.

But not Loughlin.

Loughlin, Lori
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Loughlin has refused to accept a plea deal, and she plans to fight the charges against her in court.

It’s a bold, risky strategy, and some of her closest friends have described Loughlin as "delusional" for thinking she’ll be found innocent by a jury.

At first, the actress exhibited the hubris and extreme self-assurance often associated with those who have spent their lives in the spotlight.

But as her trial date approaches, insiders say Loughlin is beginning to realize she might be screwed.

Aunt Becky
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“I believe Lori is suicidal,” a friend of Loughlin’s tells Radar Online.

“She’s having a complete mental breakdown.”

It seems the reality of her situation hit home for Loughlin when she was informed of just how much prison time she’s facing.

“When Lori heard the number of years she could spend in prison, she broke down sobbing,” says the insider.

Lori Loughlin Off to Court
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“Any decent lawyer would tell them that they don’t have a hope or a prayer of winning their case,” 

In the wake of new charges for money laundering, Loughlin is now facing 40 years in prison.

Adding insult to injury is the fact that her efforts were all for naught, as Loughlin’s daughters have dropped out of school, fearing that they would be bullied as a result of the scandal.

Sources say Lori is no longer on speaking terms with her daughters, as all parties blame one another for the scandal.

Olivia Jade and Lori Loughlin
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“Lori would do anything to ensure her kids got the best opportunities,” the source says.

“But now that she’s facing decades in a prison cell, she’s livid that they didn’t do more to help themselves. She and the girls are at each other’s throats.”

The informant adds that the situation has reached the point where Lori’s friends and family feel they need to keep an eye on her at all times:

“Lori finally realizes her whole world has crumbled around her. The fear is she may take it out on herself — in a frightening way!”