Judge Refuses Motion To Dismiss Danny Masterson Rape Charges

HOLLYWOOD, CA — A Los Angeles Superior Court judge denied a motion to dismiss the various rape charges against actor Danny Masterson. Masterson has been accused of raping three women at his Hollywood Hills home between 2001 and 2003.

Judge Eleanor J. Hunter denied the defense's motion to dismiss based on the statute of limitations. Former governor Jerry Brown eliminated the statute of limitations on prosecuting rape cases in 2016.

Known for appearing on That '70s Show, Masterson was accused of raping a 23-year-old woman between January 2001 and December 2001. The actor is also accused of raping a 28-year-old woman in April 2003 and another 23-year old woman sometime in later 2003.

Masterson was arrested June 17 by the Los Angeles Police Department's Robbery-Homicide Division and released about three hours later on a $3.3 million bond. He faces 45 years to life in state prison if convicted.

Masterson and his attorney, Tom Mesereau, have maintained innocence throughout the proceedings.

"Obviously, Mr. Masterson and his wife are in complete shock considering that these nearly 20-year-old allegations are suddenly resulting in charges being filed, but they and their family are comforted knowing that ultimately the truth will come out," Mesereau said shortly after charges were announced. "The people who know Mr. Masterson know his character and know the allegations to be false."

After being fired from Netflix' Emmy winning "The Ranch" in 2017 as sexual assault allegations surfaced, Masterson said he was "very disappointed" and "it seems as if you are presumed guilty the moment you are accused."

Masterson is due back in court on November 2 for arraignment.

In a separate case, Masterson and the Church of Scientology were accused of attempting to intimidate four women, all ex-girlfriends of Masterson, for filing sexual assault allegations with the LAPD. Plaintiffs Chrissie Carnell Bixler, Bobette Riales and two Jane Does allege that strangers turned up around their homes, sometimes looking inside with flashlights.

They also maintain their email accounts were compromised and that their credit cards were stolen.

On October 6, Los Angeles Superior Court Judge Steven Kleifield said there weren't enough facts to back physical and constructive evasion of privacy claims, but that details supported their allegations of stalking and intentional infliction of emotional distress.

The women were given 20 days to file an amended complaint.

"This case is about alleged harassment and stalking," Brettler wrote in his court papers. "It is not about sexual assault, as plaintiffs would like the court and the media to believe."