Felicity Huffman released from prison early, served 11 out of 14 days

The Desperate Housewives star has been sent home before her two-week sentence was up. Photo / Getty Images

Felicity Huffman has been released from prison after serving 11 days of her 14-day sentence for her role in the US college admissions scandal.

Fox News confirmed that Huffman was released from the Federal Correctional Institution in Dublin, California per Program Statement 5140.36, which states inmates who are scheduled to be released on a weekend or legal holiday be released on the last preceding weekday.

"Ms. Huffman released from the custody of the BOP," officials told Fox News.

Actress Felicity Huffman, escorted by her husband actor William H. Macy. Photo / Getty Images

Huffman reported to the prison on October 15. At the time of her surrender, a representative for the actress said: "Ms. Huffman is prepared to serve the term of imprisonment Judge Talwani ordered as one part of the punishment she imposed for Ms. Huffman's actions."

Huffman, 56, pleaded guilty in May and accepted responsibility for her part in the high-profile college admissions scandal that demonstrated the lengths wealthy parents will go in order to secure their kids a spot at the college of their choice.

The Desperate Housewives star pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to commit mail fraud and honest services mail fraud earlier this year. She confessed to paying an admissions consultant AU$22,000 to have a proctor correct her older daughter's answers on the SAT. She considered the same for her younger daughter but decided against it.

In addition to serving in prison, Huffman also received one year of probation, was ordered to perform 250 hours of community service and pay a AU$44,000 fine.

"I think this is the right sentence here," U.S. District Court Judge Indira Talwani told Huffman at the time of her sentencing. "You can move forward and rebuild your life after this. Without this sentence, I think the community around you would ask why you got away with this."

A tearful Huffman addressed Judge Talwani in Boston federal court before she received her sentence.

"I'm sorry to you, judge. I am deeply sorry to the students, parents and colleges impacted by my actions," the Emmy-award winning actress said. "I am sorry to my daughters and my husband. I have betrayed them all.

"My mind keeps returning to the 30-minute drive to the testing centre. I kept thinking, 'Turn around,'" she said.

Huffman said her daughter Sophia asked why she didn't believe in her.

"I had no answer," Huffman said. "I can only say I'm so sorry, Sophia. I was frightened, I was stupid, and I was so wrong. I am deeply ashamed of what I have done. I have done more damage than I could ever imagine. I realise now with my mothering that love and truth go hand-in-hand. I take full responsibility for my actions."