Actor Danny Masterson, known for his role on That '70s Show, was sentenced on Wednesday morning to 30 years in prison - the maximum sentence allowed - after being convicted on two of three counts of rape that occurred two decades ago.
...Masterson was present in court today for the sentencing from Los Angeles Superior Court Judge Charlaine Olmedo. Permitted to address the court, Masterson chose not to speak Thursday — though he did confer with defense lawyer Phillip Cohen just before sentencing began.
The rapes first came to light in 2017; the Church of Scientology, of which Masterson is a member (the cult includes many famous Hollywood actors), reportedly worked to "cover up the rapes and punish the victims" over the years.
Masterson's lawyer had asked for 15 years with eligibility for parole when 85% of the sentence had been served, but the Los Angeles County District Attorney's office pushed for the maximum time.
...that disagreement was based in no small part on the fact that there were multiple victims on "multiple occasions" of "forceable rape" in this case.
Victim impact statements from all three of the women who accused Masterson of rape were read during sentencing, blasting him and the Church of Scientology.
"I still have to contend with what you did to me …the rape deformed my ability to trust others," stated the Jane Doe #2 with her voice often breaking. A former and self-described "brainwashed" member of Scientology, Jane Doe #2 also condemned the Church for "protecting its prized members" like the "pathetic" Masterson.
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"I didn't choose to be born into Scientology, just as I didn't choose to be raped by Danny Masterson," Jen B told the court. Telling those assembled how her Scientologist mother has shunned her since she went to the police almost 20 years ago to report being "drugged and raped" by Masterson, the passionate Jane Doe #1 also condemned the Church and its "code" against those who speak out against "untouchables" like Masterson.
The actor will be still eligible for parole 85% of the way through his sentence, meaning the earliest he will be able to emerge from prison is 2048.
He faces a second, civil trial in connection with the crimes that focuses on the alleged harassment of the Church of Scientology as early as this month. His defense team is vowing to file an appeal on the conviction.
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