Actor Danny Masterson Charged With Raping Three Women By Los Angeles D.A., Faces 45 Years To Life In Prison

Tom Tapp
·2 min read

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UPDATED, 6:45 PM Los Angeles County District Attorney Jackie Lacey announced today that actor Danny Masterson has been charged with raping three women in separate incidents at his home between 2001 and 2003.

The D.A.’s Office declined to file sexual assault charges against Masterson in two other cases, one for insufficient evidence and the other based upon the statute of limitations for the crime alleged.

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The That ’70s Show star was charged with three counts of rape by force or fear. The case was filed for warrant yesterday.

Masterson’s attorney, Tom Mesereau, released a statement saying his client “is innocent, and we’re confident that he will be exonerated when all the evidence finally comes to light and witnesses have the opportunity to testify.”

“Obviously, Mr. Masterson and his wife are in complete shock considering that these nearly 20-year-old allegations are suddenly resulting in charges being filed, but they and their family are comforted knowing that ultimately the truth will come out,” Mesereau said. “The people who know Mr. Masterson know his character and know the allegations to be false.”

According to law enforcement sources, Masterson was arrested late this morning with bond set at $3.3 million. He posted and was out by around 3 PM.

Masterson is accused of raping a 23-year-old woman between January and December 2001, according to the complaint.

In April 2003, the complaint states, “Masterson allegedly raped a 28-year-old woman and sometime between October and December of that year he is accused of raping a 23-year-old woman who he had invited to his Hollywood Hills home.”

Deputy District Attorney Reinhold Mueller of the Sex Crimes Division, who is prosecuting the case, said all of the alleged crimes occurred at the defendant’s home.

If convicted as charged, Masterson faces a possible maximum sentence of 45 years to life in state prison.

Arraignment is scheduled for September 18.

Masterson was co-starring with former ’70s Show castmate Ashton Kutcher on Netflix’s The Ranch in December 2017 when news of the rape allegations surfaced, prompting his departure from the series.

City News Service contributed to this report.

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