Current:Home > Contact-us'That '70s Show' star Danny Masterson starts 30-years-to-life sentence in state prison-LoTradeCoin
'That '70s Show' star Danny Masterson starts 30-years-to-life sentence in state prison
View Date:2024-12-23 22:15:04
DELANO, Calif. — "That '70s Show" actor Danny Masterson has been sent to a California state prison to serve his sentence for two rape convictions.
Authorities said Wednesday that the 47-year-old Masterson has been admitted to North Kern State Prison, and they released his first prison mug shot. The photo shows him wearing orange prison attire, with long hair and a beard.
In June, Masterson was convicted of raping two women in his Los Angeles home in 2003. In September, a judge sentenced him to 30 years to life in prison. His wife, actor Bijou Phillips, filed for divorce in the weeks that followed. They had been married for nearly 12 years.
He had been held in Los Angeles County jail in the months since while post-sentencing hearings were held and issues resolved, including the turnover of all the guns Masterson owned, some of which had to be located.
It will be more than 25 years before Masterson will be eligible for parole.
Masterson's lawyers said they plan to appeal the conviction.
Why is Danny Masterson in prison?
A jury of seven women and five men found Masterson guilty of two counts of rape on May 31, after seven days of deliberations. The jury could not reach a unanimous verdict on a third count, an allegation that Masterson also raped a longtime girlfriend.
"When you raped me, you stole from me. That’s what rape is, a theft of the spirit," said one woman who Masterson was convicted of raping in 2003. "You are pathetic, disturbed and completely violent. The world is better off with you in prison."
During the September sentencing, Los Angeles Superior Court Judge Charlaine F. Olmedo addressed Masterson before handing down his sentence.
"Mr. Masterson, I know that you’re sitting here steadfast in your claims of innocence and thus no doubt feeling victimized by a justice system that has failed you," Olmedo said. "But Mr. Masterson, you are not the victim here. Your actions 20 years ago took away another person’s voice and choice. One way or another you will have to come to terms with your prior actions and their consequences."
Masterson's lawyer, Shawn Holley, had told the judge before the sentencing that the actor "has lived an exemplary life. He has been an extraordinary father, husband, brother, son, co-worker and community servant."
The 30-year sentence was the maximum allowed by law. It means Masterson will be eligible for parole after serving 25½ years, but can be held in prison for life.
Masterson divorce:Danny Masterson asks judge to grant Bijou Phillips custody of their daughter
veryGood! (3)
Related
- 'Gladiator 2' review: Yes, we are entertained again by outrageous sequel
- Brittney Griner announces birth of first child: 'He is amazing'
- The Terrifying Rebecca Schaeffer Murder Details: A Star on the Rise and a Stalker's Deadly Obsession
- Man fatally shot in apparent road-rage incident in Indianapolis; police investigating
- A pair of Trump officials have defended family separation and ramped-up deportations
- New Hampshire governor signs bill banning transgender girls from girls' sports
- US hit by dreaded blue screen: The Daily Money Special Edition
- What are your favorite athletes listening to? Team USA shares their favorite tunes
- John Krasinski Reveals Wife Emily Blunt's Hilarious Response to His Sexiest Man Alive Title
- Jake Paul's message to Mike Tyson after latest victory: 'I'm going to take your throne'
Ranking
- Why Josh O'Connor Calls Sex Scenes Least Sexy Thing After Challengers With Zendaya and Mike Faist
- Joe Biden Drops Out of 2024 Presidential Election
- A 12-year-old girl is accused of smothering her 8-year-old cousin over an iPhone
- Chanel West Coast Shares Insight Into Motherhood Journey With Daughter Bowie
- Olivia Culpo Celebrates Christian McCaffrey's NFL Comeback Alongside Mother-in-Law
- Team USA's loss to Team WNBA sparks 'déjà vu,' but Olympic team isn't panicking
- Microsoft outages caused by CrowdStrike software glitch paralyze airlines, other businesses. Here's what to know.
- Brittney Griner announces birth of first child: 'He is amazing'
Recommendation
-
NBA players express concern for ex-player Kyle Singler after social media post
-
Maine trooper in cruiser rear-ended, injured at traffic stop, strikes vehicle he pulled over
-
Behind Biden’s asylum halt: Migrants must say if they fear deportation, not wait to be asked
-
Pig transplant research yields a surprise: Bacon safe for some people allergic to red meat
-
Kirk Herbstreit berates LSU fans throwing trash vs Alabama: 'Enough is enough, clowns'
-
Apparent samurai sword attack leaves woman dead near LA; police investigating
-
2024 British Open Sunday tee times: When do Billy Horschel, leaders tee off?
-
Hallmark releases 250 brand new Christmas ornaments for 2024