Danny Masterson, aged 47, known for his role in “That ’70s Show,” has been relocated from Corcoran State Prison in Central California. This maximum security facility, infamous for housing cult leader Charles Manson, is where Masterson was previously held.
As per records from the California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation, Masterson has been transferred to the California Men’s Colony, a male-only state prison situated in San Luis Obispo, California.
A representative for the California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation (CDCR) informed USA TODAY on Monday that Masterson’s transfer to the new facility occurred on Feb. 16.
However, the CDCR emphasized that “by law,” they are unable to disclose reasons for transfers or detailed housing information.
The California Men’s Colony, as outlined by the CDCR, comprises two complexes and operates as a minimum and medium security prison. The facility provides a range of educational and self-improvement programs, including cognitive behavior therapy programs, substance abuse education, criminal thinking, anger management, and family relationships, according to its website.
Danny Masterson, known for his role in ‘That ’70s Show,’ has been moved to a maximum security prison, Corcoran State Prison, once home to infamous cult leader Charles Manson. Records from January indicated Masterson’s transfer to Corcoran State Prison, where Manson resided starting in 1989.
The facility is among 10 institutions designated for the state’s “most violent and dangerous male offenders,” according to the corrections department.
In January, following a state judge’s decision deeming him a flight risk, Masterson’s bail appeal was denied, prompting his transfer.
“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,” Los Angeles Superior Court Judge Charlaine Olmedo wrote.
“In light of the fact that defendant has no wife to go home to, defendant now 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.”
The commencement of Danny Masterson’s 30-year-to-life sentence in state prison marks a significant development. Attorney Michael Olmedo highlighted Masterson’s potential flight risk, especially given his recent divorce from actress Bijou Phillips shortly after his Sept. 7 sentencing. Olmedo emphasized Masterson’s lack of incentives to return to serve his sentence if his appeal proves unsuccessful.
Last year, Masterson was convicted of raping two women, resulting in a 30-year to life prison sentence. In December, he was admitted to North Kern State Prison, California, as confirmed by authorities.
During Masterson’s sentencing, attorney Michael Olmedo emphasized that Masterson was not the victim, underscoring the impact of his actions on his victims’ voices and choices.
Olmedo stressed Masterson’s need to reckon with the consequences of his past deeds. Prison records indicate that Masterson will be eligible for parole in July 2042, at the age of 66.
