Actor Danny Masterson was sentenced to 30 years to life in jail Thursday after a jury convicted him earlier this 12 months of raping two ladies 20 years in the past, in accordance with the Los Angeles district lawyer’s workplace. Prosecutors stated the rapes occurred in 2003 whereas Masterson, now 47, was starring within the hit sitcom “That ’70s Present.”
“This has been an extended and arduous street for the victims of Mr. Masterson,” Los Angeles District Legal professional George Gascón stated in a press release to CBS Information after the sentencing. “They not solely survived his abuse, in addition they survived a system that’s usually not sort to victims.”
Masterson was convicted in Could of raping a 28-year-old lady in April 2003 and a 23-year-old lady later that 12 months, in accordance with prosecutors. Each incidents occurred at Masterson’s Hollywood Hills house.
Myung J. Chun/Los Angeles Occasions through Getty Photographs
CBS Los Angeles reviews Masterson has been in custody since his conviction. No cameras have been allowed in court docket throughout Thursday’s sentencing. Based on The Related Press, Masterson wore a go well with in court docket as his accusers addressed him immediately.
“While you raped me, you stole from me,” stated one of many ladies who Masterson was discovered responsible of attacking, in accordance with the AP. “That is what rape is, a theft of the spirit.”
“You’re pathetic, disturbed and fully violent,” she stated. “The world is best off with you in jail.”
The opposite lady advised Superior Court docket Choose Charlaine Olmedo, “I knew he belonged behind bars for the protection of all the ladies he got here into contact with. I’m so sorry, and I am so upset. I want I would reported him sooner to the police.”
The jury did not attain a unanimous resolution on a 3rd rely that alleged Masterson additionally raped a longtime girlfriend. Deliberations lasted for greater than six days earlier than Masterson was convicted on the 2 different counts.
Gascón stated the three ladies have been courageous for coming ahead.
“Their braveness and energy have been an inspiration to us all,” Gascón stated in a press release after Masterson was convicted. “Whereas we’re disenchanted that the jury didn’t convict on all counts, we respect their resolution.”
Late final 12 months, Olmedo declared a mistrial after a unique jury could not attain a unanimous verdict on any prices.
On this 12 months’s trial, Masterson did not testify, and his legal professionals did not name any witnesses. Masterson’s attorneys stated what occurred between him and the ladies was consensual.
Masterson and his three accusers have been all members of the Church of Scientology on the time of the incidents. The ladies testified that they reported Masterson to Scientology officers however have been discouraged from going to the police and feared being excommunicated. The church denied blocking anybody from cooperating with authorities.
“I believe the jury believed that, they believed the narrative that the Church of Scientology and its members would have retaliated towards them if that they had reported this,” CBS Information authorized contributor Jessica Levinson stated following Masterson’s conviction. “And that is why they waited, and that is why they interacted with Danny Masterson in numerous methods and continued to work together with him.”