A California serial rapist who was sentenced to 124 years in prison is now free after serving about two decades behind bars, sparking outrage in the Southern California city where he reportedly resides.
Andrew Luster, 62, great-grandson of cosmetics mogul Max Factor, was released from state prison on Oct. 11 after serving his sentence under California law, according to the California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation. Glendora Mayor David Fredendall called his release “unacceptable” in an Oct. 16 statement.
“The town of Glendora is beyond disappointed,” Fredendall said. “We are outraged.”
Luster was convicted in 2003 of 86 counts, including poisoning, rape, sodomy and oral copulation of unconscious victims. Prosecutors said he drugged three women with gamma-hydroxybutyrate, commonly known as GHB, at his beachfront Ventura County home and recorded two of the assaults. During his trial, Luster fled to Mexico, where bounty hunter and television star Duane “Dog” Chapman captured him months later.
His original 124-year prison sentence was reduced to 50 years in 2013 over objections from prosecutors. In August 2024, a two-person parole board approved his early release over the objections of the three victims. Ventura County Prosecutor Erik Nasarenko successfully challenged the decision, which the entire Parole Board hearing overturned in October.
“Our office strongly opposes the release of Andrew Luster,” Nasarenko said at the time. “His heinous actions, including drugging and raping his victims, warrant a full prison sentence. »
Despite the reversal, prosecutors acknowledged that Luster would be released by the end of 2026. State corrections officials said Luster had accrued 977 work days and good behavior credits toward release under California law.
Fredendall criticized Proposition 57, the 2016 voter-approved measure that expanded opportunities for sentencing credits and parole review, arguing that state policies allowed Luster to return to a residential community.
“Glendora residents should not have to worry for their safety because of a state decision that allows someone with a history of rape and violence to now live near schools, parks, playgrounds, churches and community centers,” Fredendall said.
Glendora police will coordinate with state parole authorities to enforce applicable supervision requirements, according to the mayor. City officials are also demanding information about the circumstances of Luster’s release and the conditions of his parole.
“The victims deserve better. The people of Glendora deserve better. California needs to do better,” Fredendall said.
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