– Danny Masterson faces 45 years to life in prison
– The “That ’70s Show” actor is charged with three counts of rape
– Masterson’s lawyer argues the encounters were consensual
Danny Masterson, best known for his role on the popular sitcom “That ’70s Show,” could potentially spend 45 years to life in prison if found guilty on multiple charges of rape. On Monday, May 17th, Los Angeles County Superior Court Judge Charlaine Olmedo declared that enough evidence, including graphic testimony, exists to warrant a trial in the case against Masterson for sexually assaulting three women.
The accusations date back to incidents occurring between 2001 and 2003 and involve three women, all of whom testified during a four-day preliminary hearing. According to the victims’ testimonies, Masterson forcibly raped each of them after they visited his Hollywood Hills home. One woman claimed he drugged her, and another testified that he threatened her with a gun during the wrongful encounter.
Masterson maintains his innocence and firmly asserts that the encounters were consensual. His lawyer, Thomas Mesereau, attempted to persuade the judge to reject the evidence, arguing that the women were all members of the Church of Scientology and were possibly seeking to expose the church’s secrets. Mesereau is best known for defending Michael Jackson against child molestation charges in 2005.
Despite this argument, Judge Olmedo delivered her decision to order the case to trial. An arraignment date has been set for June 7th. If convicted, the actor could face prison time ranging from 45 years to life.
Masterson was charged with three counts of rape by force or fear last June, while his bail was set at $3.3 million. He has been on house arrest throughout the ongoing legal proceedings.