Actor Danny Masterson was found guilty of two counts of rape in a Los Angeles court on Wednesday. The jury could not agree on the third charge of rape, according to American media. The That ’70s Show actor faces up to 30 years in prison.
Masterson, 47, was taken into custody following the verdict. The judge rejected a request to release him under electronic surveillance. A new hearing is scheduled for August 4, when Masterson may hear his sentence.
The actor is accused of raping three women between 2001 and 2003 at his home in Hollywood Hills. Last year, the case was overturned because jurors could not agree, and prosecutors started a new case. Masterson denies all allegations.
Scientology opposition
The women were members of the Scientology movement at the time, as is Masterson, who still is. Two out of three women say Scientology tried to thwart them when they wanted to tell their story. They are all said to have been harassed by Scientology since they went to the police in 2016.
The Scientology movement denies that. “The Church has no policy that prohibits or discourages members from reporting criminal conduct by anyone, Scientologists or not, to the police,” said a statement published by City News Service.
Attorney Philip Cohen had urged jurors to acquit his client. According to City News Service Cohen questioned the credibility of the alleged victims, saying their stories had been modified over the years.
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