'That '70s Show' actor Danny Masterson moved to maximum security prison that once held Charles Manson
Danny Masterson is officially housed at a high security prison, according to state records from the California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation.
The "That '70s Show" star's move to Corcoran State Prison in Central California comes a week after a state judge denied him bail, pending his appeal, for a September conviction for raping two women in 2003. The facility is one of 10 institutions "for the most violent and dangerous male offenders" in the state, the corrections department says. (Cult leader Charles Manson was also housed at Corcoran State Prison since 1989.)
Los Angeles Superior Court Judge Charlaine Olmedo wrote in her order last week that she deemed Masterson to be a flight risk, according to documents that were originally provided by entertainment outlets The Wrap and Deadline.
"If defendant's conviction and sentence are upheld on appeal, he will likely remain in custody for decades and perhaps the rest of his life," Olmedo wrote in her order, per The Wrap.
Danny Masterson denied bail, judge says actor has 'every incentive to flee': Reports
Olmedo also noted that Masterson has "every incentive to flee and little reason to return to state prison to serve out the remainder of his lengthy sentence should his appeal be unsuccessful," referring to his recent split from estranged wife and actress Bijou Phillips, who filed for divorce about a week after his sentencing.
In late December, Masterson was admitted to North Kern State Prison to serve his 30-years-to-life prison sentence, which was handed down by Olmedo on Sept. 7.
The month after the sentence was handed down, Masterson asked a Santa Barbara Superior Court judge to grant legal and physical custody of their school-aged daughter, Fianna, to Phillips, with visitation rights for himself.
Danny Masterson convicted of rape, sentenced to 30 years to life in California state prison
After deliberating for seven days in May, a jury of seven women and five men found him guilty of raping two women in his Los Angeles home in 2003. They could not reach a verdict on the third count, that alleged Masterson raped a longtime girlfriend.
"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 told Masterson during the sentencing. "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," she continued.
Prison records show Masterson will be eligible for parole in July 2042. The 47-year-old will be 66 years old by then.
Contributing: KiMi Robinson
This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Danny Masterson, of 'That '70s Show,' moved to maximum security prison
