Por Redacción
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The California Board of Parole Hearings has overturned a prior decision granting early release to Andrew Luster, a convicted rapist and heir to the Max Factor cosmetics fortune.
In August, a two-member parole panel recommended Luster’s release, but the Ventura County District Attorney’s Office challenged the decision, citing serious factual errors related to his crimes.
The full parole board panel, known as the En Banc panel, reviewed the case and reversed the earlier ruling. District Attorney Erik Nasarenko, who opposed Luster’s release, praised the board’s decision.
“Our office strongly opposes the release of Andrew Luster,” Nasarenko said in a statement. “His crimes, which involved drugging and raping multiple victims, demand that he serve his full sentence. Luster’s continued refusal to accept responsibility makes his release both unjust and dangerous to public safety.”
Luster, now 60, will have another chance at parole in April 2025, according to the parole board’s tentative schedule.
Heinous Crimes and Public Outcry
Luster, once known for his wealth and social connections, committed his crimes between 1996 and 2000, targeting young women at college bars. He drugged his victims using gamma-hydroxybutyrate (GHB), a powerful sedative often linked to sexual assaults. After rendering his victims unconscious, Luster sexually assaulted them. In two instances, he recorded the attacks, which later became crucial evidence during his trial.
The case attracted national media attention, not only for Luster’s family background but also due to his dramatic flight from justice. During his trial in 2003, Luster fled to Mexico, where he evaded authorities for months. He was eventually captured by bounty hunter Duane “Dog” Chapman and returned to California to face sentencing.
Luster was convicted of 86 felony charges, including rape, sodomy, and poisoning. He is currently serving a 124-year sentence.
Continued Concerns Over Public Safety
Senior Deputy District Attorney Tony Wold, who originally prosecuted the case, expressed concerns about Luster’s potential release in the near future. Despite the parole denial, Luster is scheduled to complete his sentence on Oct. 31, 2026, due to changes in state sentencing laws.
“Luster is one of the most dangerous offenders I’ve prosecuted in my 27-year career,” Wold said. “Even though parole was denied, the fact remains that he will likely be released in about two years. Our office is committed to doing everything within the law to protect the public for as long as possible.”
The parole board’s decision underscores the lingering impact of Luster’s crimes on his victims and the community. Prosecutors argued that his release would undermine the severity of his offenses and endanger public safety, concerns that ultimately swayed the full board.
As Luster awaits his next parole hearing, victims and prosecutors continue to advocate for the completion of his full sentence.
