Max Factor Heir Released From Prison, Banned From California County Where He Preyed on Women

Disgraced Max Factor heir Andrew Luster, 62, has been released from prison and is now living in Glendora, California, a city located 25 miles east of downtown Los Angeles. His release comes with significant conditions, including three years of parole, a lifetime ban from Ventura County, and a mandatory 24-hour ankle monitor.

Luster was convicted in absentia in January 2003 on 86 felony counts, including rape, after fleeing to Puerto Vallarta, Mexico. He had been charged with drugging and raping three women, filming the assaults. He was apprehended in June 2003 by Duane "Dog the Bounty Hunter" Chapman and initially sentenced to 124 years. However, in 2013, a judge reduced his sentence to 50 years, citing a legal technicality regarding consecutive sentencing. Further reductions occurred due to California's Proposition 57, which mandates that non-violent offenders serve half of their sentence. Luster was classified as non-violent due to the victims being unconscious during the attacks, leading to his release after serving approximately 20 years.

Glendora city officials expressed outrage upon learning of Luster's residency. Mayor David Fredendall issued a statement calling the situation "unacceptable" and criticizing Proposition 57, which he argued supporters claimed would not lead to the early release of sex offenders. He demanded transparency from state officials regarding Luster's release and measures to protect residents.

State Assembly member Blanca Rubio, whose district includes Glendora, also condemned the release. Rubio, along with Republican counterpart Marie Alvarado-Gil, had co-sponsored a bill, SB 268, aimed at reclassifying the rape of an unconscious person as a violent crime to prevent such early releases, though the bill was introduced too late to affect Luster's case. Rubio described the parole as "disgusting" and vowed to work with local officials to ensure community safety.

Luster is further restricted from coming within 35 miles of the homes of his victims, necessitating his residence on the eastern side of Los Angeles County, away from Ventura and Santa Barbara counties where some victims still reside. His updated mugshot, showing a lined face and gray hair, is now on the California sex offenders’ registry.