I think ignorance of the law can and should be taken into consideration in some cases.
This particular case, I think university officials who took the money should be on trial. They are more responsible for knowing the law than Lori and her husband. I don’t know if they knew it was illegal, but I think they knew it was unfair for children who don’t have rich parents.
I think it’s commonly joked about that people are accepted into a school, because their parents bought their way in. I don’t remember people going to jail for it.
As far as I know legacy admission is legal, and that’s unfair too. Not based on merit, but rather bloodline. Why is that ok in the USA? I guess technically the person is supposed to still rise to the admission requirements academically.
I think she knew it was at minimum sneaky, and now everyone knows it’s illegal. I wouldn’t put her in jail, but I would fine her, put the money in a scholarship fund, and to pay court fees, and have her do some sort of community service like tutor children in lower socio economic situations.