Former “That ’70s Show” star Danny Masterson has been relocated to a maximum-security prison to serve his 30-year sentence for rape, Us Weekly can confirm. The 47-year-old actor was moved to Corcoran State Prison in Central California, where he will remain until at least July 2042, with no possibility of parole until then. Interestingly, this is the same facility where the notorious Charles Manson was held for several years.
Masterson’s legal troubles began when he was initially charged with three counts of rape in June 2020. Following his arrest, he pleaded not guilty to all charges, maintaining his innocence. Despite his denial, the trial commenced in October 2022 and concluded with a mistrial due to a deadlocked jury. However, Masterson’s legal battles continued, and in April 2023, he was found guilty on two counts of rape in the second trial.
His sentencing in September 2023 marked a significant development in the case, as Masterson was ordered to serve a lengthy prison term. Shortly after the sentencing, he filed for an appeal in November of the same year, hoping to overturn the verdict. However, his request for bail pending appeal was denied earlier this month, with the judge expressing concerns about his potential flight risk, especially amid his ongoing divorce from his wife, Bijou Phillips.
Throughout the legal proceedings, Masterson has maintained his innocence, asserting that the allegations against him are baseless. In a statement to Us in 2020, he vehemently denied the charges, emphasizing the presumption of innocence until proven guilty. Despite his claims, the jury’s verdict ultimately found him guilty, leading to his incarceration.
Masterson’s legal team has faced an uphill battle in his defense, with attorney Neama Rahmani expressing skepticism about the likelihood of a successful appeal. Given the jury’s decision and the weight of the evidence presented, winning an appeal appears challenging, Rahmani noted in September 2023.
Amid the legal turmoil, Masterson’s personal life has also been tumultuous, as his marriage to Bijou Phillips ended shortly after his sentencing. Despite their split, the couple agreed to prioritize their daughter’s well-being, with Phillips receiving full legal and physical custody of their child.
As Masterson adjusts to life behind bars in Corcoran State Prison, the legal saga continues, with his pending appeal looming as a last-ditch effort to challenge his conviction. However, the road ahead appears fraught with challenges, as Masterson faces the consequences of his actions and grapples with the implications of his imprisonment for decades to come.
