Danny Masterson, the former “That ’70s Show” star, has been relocated to Corcoran State Prison in Central California, a maximum-security facility with a storied history. This move is likely to be his long-term placement as he serves his 30-years-to-life sentence after being convicted in May 2023 of raping two women in the 1990s. Corcoran State Prison, colloquially known as Corcoran, is situated roughly halfway between Bakersfield and Sacramento and has housed some of the state’s most notorious inmates, including Charles Manson and Sirhan Sirhan.
The 47-year-old Masterson, who became known for his role as Steven Hyde on the popular sitcom “That ’70s Show,” had initially spent time in an LA County lockup before being transferred to the North Kern State Prison intake facility. Recently, he was moved to Corcoran, where he is expected to spend the majority of his sentence. According to prison records, Masterson will first be eligible for parole in 2042 when he turns 66.
Corcoran State Prison, built in 1988, is known for its maximum-security status and houses inmates requiring the highest level of protection and supervision. It has gained notoriety for being home to some of California’s most dangerous criminals. The Level 4 maximum-security housing unit, where Masterson is reportedly located, is designed to handle high-risk inmates.
Masterson’s relocation to Corcoran has sparked interest not only due to the prison’s history but also because of its association with Charles Manson, one of the most infamous figures in criminal history. Manson, the cult leader behind the notorious Tate-LaBianca murders, was held at Corcoran State Prison for a significant period. Besides Manson, other notable inmates, including Sirhan Sirhan, the assassin of Senator Robert F. Kennedy, have been incarcerated at Corcoran.
Corcoran State Prison is known for its unique architectural features and security measures, making it suitable for handling high-profile and dangerous inmates. The prison’s design and layout are intended to provide a high level of security while accommodating the various needs of its inmate population. In addition to the Level 4 general population, Corcoran has a Protective Housing Unit, a specialized wing for inmates at risk of harm.
While Masterson is expected to spend the bulk of his sentence in the general population of the Level 4 unit, the existence of a Protective Housing Unit suggests that there are provisions for inmates facing potential threats. This wing could be utilized if Masterson encounters challenges or safety concerns in the general population.
The move to Corcoran comes after Masterson’s conviction for charges related to sexual assault. He was found guilty in May 2023 for raping two women in the early 2000s. The legal proceedings shed light on the incidents that occurred decades ago, and Masterson’s sentencing marked a significant moment in the #MeToo era, illustrating the continued efforts to hold individuals accountable for past misconduct.
As Masterson navigates his incarceration in Corcoran State Prison, the facility’s history and reputation raise questions about how he will adapt to the challenging environment. For a former television star accustomed to a public life, the transition to a maximum-security prison represents a significant change. The Level 4 unit at Corcoran is designed to manage high-risk inmates, emphasizing the need for strict security protocols.
In the coming years, the focus will be on how Masterson experiences life in Corcoran, how he copes with the challenges of incarceration, and whether any additional legal developments or appeals will impact his situation. As with other high-profile cases, Masterson’s time in Corcoran State Prison will likely remain under public scrutiny, contributing to ongoing discussions about justice, accountability, and the complexities surrounding cases of historical sexual assault.
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