American actor Danny Masterson, who was sentenced to 30 years for rape, is now under constant surveillance in jail to monitor his mental well-being. He is currently held at the Los Angeles County Sheriff Men’s Central Jail and is awaiting transfer to a California state prison to serve his full sentence. According to TMZ, jail deputies check on Masterson every half hour with the aim of ensuring his mental stability and safety. If any signs of distress are observed, he will be subjected to a mental health examination.
Masterson, aged 47, was found guilty in May of committing two rapes in 2003 and was sentenced recently. The jury was unable to reach a verdict on a third rape charge, and prosecutors have stated they will not pursue further convictions.
Despite the 30-year sentence, Danny Masterson’s lawyer, Shawn Holley, remains steadfast, asserting that the legal battle is not over due to a lack of evidence supporting the conviction. Holley mentioned that a team of leading appellate lawyers has been reviewing trial transcripts and identifying significant evidentiary and constitutional issues, which they intend to address in briefs submitted to both state and federal appellate courts. Holley expressed confidence that Masterson’s conviction will be overturned on appeal.
Before the sentencing, victim impact statements were presented in court, with one survivor addressing Masterson, accusing him of deriving pleasure from harming women and characterizing it as his addiction.
It is without question your favorite thing to do,’ according to reporter Meghann Cuniff.
‘Life is precious and fragile. Find your heart … Learn something. Read books. Listen to the brightness of nothing and get well. I forgive you,’ added the victim.
Masterson was also chastised by Los Angeles Superior Court Judge Charlaine Olmedo who told the actor that he was ‘not the victim here.’
‘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. But Mr. Masterson, you are not the victim here,’ the judge said.
‘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,’ she added.
Meanwhile, a lawyer representing two of Masterson’s victim, Alison Anderson, praised her clients ‘tremendous strength and bravery’ throughout their ordeal.
‘Despite persistent harassment, obstruction and intimidation, these courageous women helped hold a ruthless sexual predator accountable today,’ Anderson added.
Her statement was underscored by under-fire Los Angeles District Attorney George Gascon who praised the Masterson’s victims for ‘coming forward and participating in the process.’
‘My hope is that this sentence will somehow bring them peace and that their bravery will be an example to others.” He also said, “One of my top priorities is to ensure that Los Angeles will no longer be a hunting ground for Hollywood elite who feel entitled to prey on women,’ Gascon said.
