Outrage Erupts as Convicted Serial Rapist Released After 20 Years

A California man convicted of drugging and raping three women, who was originally sentenced to 124 years in prison, has been released after serving approximately 20 years, sparking outrage and public safety concerns from local officials.

Andrew Luster, the great-grandson of cosmetics mogul Max Factor, was released from state prison this month and is reportedly residing in Glendora, California, according to KTLA. Glendora Mayor David Fredendall condemned the release, calling it unacceptable that a convicted serial rapist is now reportedly living in the community.

"The City of Glendora is beyond disappointed. We are outraged," Fredendall stated. "Andrew Luster was convicted of 86 felony counts stemming from the drugging and sexual assault of unconscious women. He was originally sentenced to 124 years in prison. He has now been released from State prison and is reportedly residing in our community. This is unacceptable."

Luster was convicted in 2003 of 86 felony counts related to the drugging and sexual assault of three women at his beachfront home in Ventura County. Prosecutors stated he used the drug GHB to incapacitate the women before assaulting them.

Luster fled to Mexico in January 2003 while out on $1 million bail during his trial. He was convicted in absentia and later apprehended in Puerto Vallarta, Mexico, by bounty hunter Duane “Dog” Chapman.

Initially sentenced to 124 years, a California judge in March 2013 set aside the sentence, citing that the trial court had not adequately explained its reasoning for imposing consecutive sentences. While the convictions were upheld, Luster was granted a new sentencing hearing. In April 2013, he was resentenced to 50 years in prison.

Prosecutors had opposed the reduced sentence, characterizing Luster’s crimes as "cruel, vicious and callous."

His release has intensified criticism of California's criminal justice system, particularly Proposition 57, a 2016 measure that expanded parole consideration for certain offenders. Luster was denied parole in 2022, granted parole in 2024, but that decision was successfully challenged by Ventura County prosecutors, leading to another parole denial in April 2025. He was expected to remain incarcerated until October 2026, when his calculated sentence would end.

Fredendall argued that the outcome undermines assurances given to voters when Proposition 57 was approved. "When California voters approved Proposition 57 in 2016, they were assured by Governor Jerry Brown and his administration that dangerous offenders would remain behind bars," Fredendall said. "The State may argue that this was not technically an early release. It can point to sentencing credits, legal calculations, and administrative requirements. However, those technical explanations do not address the larger concern: how an individual originally sentenced to 124 years in prison for heinous crimes is able to walk out of a secured facility after only 20 years."

California Assemblywoman Blanca E. Rubio also criticized the release. "I am outraged and deeply disturbed by the decision to grant parole to convicted serial rapist Andrew Luster," Rubio said. "It is incomprehensible that an individual originally sentenced to 124 years in prison for such horrific crimes could be granted parole after serving approximately 20 years."

Rubio expressed concern that the decision raises questions about the state's parole system and its ability to protect victims and communities. "Our justice system is supposed to protect the innocent, hold violent criminals accountable, and provide victims with a sense of justice," she stated. "Decisions like this undermine public confidence in that system and send a devastating message to survivors of sexual assault."

Rubio indicated she is collaborating with local officials and law enforcement to gather more information about Luster's release and his parole supervision conditions. Fredendall also voiced concerns about Luster reportedly living near schools and parks. "Our Police Department will work with State parole authorities to ensure every applicable law and condition of supervision is followed," Fredendall said. "We will do everything within our lawful authority to protect our residents. But local governments should not be forced to shoulder the public-safety consequences of decisions made in Sacramento without adequate transparency and accountability."

The mayor stated that the city is seeking further information from state officials regarding the release and the protective measures in place for residents. "The victims deserve better. The people of Glendora deserve better. California must do better," Fredendall concluded.

Fox News Digital has contacted the California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation for confirmation of Luster's release date, clarification on the sentencing calculations that led to his release, and details regarding his parole supervision.