Here's 'the only way' Lori Loughlin and her husband could avoid prison time: report

Federal prosecutors are hoping to "make an example" out of Felicity Huffman, Lori Loughlin and the rest of the parents charged in connection with the massive college bribery scheme announced last month.

Sources close to the investigation told People that prosecutors in the case are hoping to get prison time for all those charged in an effort to make a statement that celebrity, wealth and power don't allow lawbreakers to avoid the consequences of their actions.

"They want to send a clear message, and that message includes jail time," the source explained. "Prosecutors know this is a high profile case and they want to make an example of the defendants."

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That explains why prosecutors reportedly offered all 36 parents charged in the case plea deals, all of which had reduced prison time attached to them. Huffman pled guilty to her crimes after agreeing to a plea deal earlier this week, which will likely result in about four months behind bars.

Meanwhile, Loughlin and her husband, Mossimo Giannulli, reportedly rejected a plea deal and, as a result, were slapped with additional money laundering charges. If convicted, they could each face 20 years in prison for either of their charges, meaning a potential total of 40 years behind bars.

The couple, who has yet to admit any guilt, is reportedly trying to avoid prison at all costs, which is looking more and more unlikely. The investigation insider told People that there's only one potential way for them to avoid serving time.

"[The prosecutors] are saying that the only way anyone’s going to escape jail time is if they go to trial and are found not guilty," the source said. "But they’re saying that they have such meticulous evidence that it would be foolish to take that risk."