Your actions 20 years ago took away another person's voice, and choice. "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 told Masterson before handing down the sentence. It means Masterson will be eligible for parole after serving 25 1/2 years, but can be held in prison for life. The sentence was the maximum allowed by law. The judge sentenced the actor after rejecting a defense motion for a new trial that was argued earlier Thursday. They could not reach a verdict on the third count, an allegation that Masterson also raped a longtime girlfriend. Both attacks took place in Masterson's Hollywood-area home in 2003, when he was at the height of his fame on the Fox network sitcom "That '70s Show." His wife, actor Bijou Phillips, was tearful earlier in the hearing.Īt his second trial, found Masterson guilty of two of three rape counts on May 31. Masterson waived his right to speak before he was sentenced and had no visible reaction after the judge's decision, nor did the many family members sitting beside him. I wish I'd reported him sooner to the police."Īfter an initial jury failed to reach verdicts on three counts of rape in December and a mistrial was declared, prosecutors retried Masterson on all three counts earlier this year. The other woman Masterson was found guilty of raping said he "has not shown an ounce of remorse for the pain he caused." She told the judge, "I knew he belonged behind bars for the safety of all the women he came into contact with. He maintains his innocence and his attorneys plan to appeal. Masterson watched the women without visible reaction as they spoke. The actor, who has been in custody since May, sat in court wearing a suit. Olmedo handed down the sentence to the 47-year-old Masterson after hearing statements from the women, and pleas for fairness from defense attorneys. Los Angeles Superior Court Judge Charlaine F.
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