Andrew Luster, the great-grandson of cosmetics pioneer Max Factor, has been released from California state prison and is now living in Glendora, Los Angeles County. Luster, 62, completed his sentence as calculated under state law after serving about 20 years of a sentence that was originally set at 124 years. His release has ignited intense public criticism and security concerns from local officials, prosecutors, and community leaders.
According to the California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation (CDCR), Luster was released after completing his full sentence as required by state guidelines. This included accumulating 977 days of pre-sentence and conduct credit. Ventura County authorities had previously anticipated that his sentence would conclude no later than October 31, 2026.
The Conviction and Legal History
Luster’s legal troubles began when he was arrested in July 2000. In 2003, he was convicted of 86 felony counts. These included poisoning, sodomy, and oral copulation. The charges stemmed from allegations that he used the drug gamma-hydroxybutyrate (GHB or liquid ecstasy) to render three women unconscious at his beachfront home in Ventura County. He then s*xually assaulted them and recorded some of the attacks.
During his 2003 trial, Luster jumped his $1 million bail and fled to Mexico. He was convicted in absentia and spent six months on the run before celebrity bounty hunter Duane “Dog” Chapman captured him in Puerto Vallarta and returned him to the United States. He was initially handed a 124-year prison term.
However, the case experienced a major procedural shift in March 2013. Ventura County Superior Court Judge Kathryne Ann Stoltz set aside the original sentence, ruling that the trial court failed to adequately justify consecutive sentencing. While upholding the convictions, Judge Stoltz granted a new sentencing hearing. In April 2013, she resentenced Luster to 50 years in prison-a reduction fiercely opposed by prosecutors who described his actions as cruel and callous.
Path to Release and Parole Controversies
Luster’s path to freedom involved multiple legal battles over parole and credit calculations. Under provisions tied to California’s Proposition 57-a 2016 voter-approved measure expanding parole consideration for certain offenders-he pursued early release. Though he was denied parole in 2022, a subsequent decision to grant him parole in 2024 was successfully challenged by Ventura County prosecutors, leading to another denial in April 2025.
Despite these legal efforts by prosecutors, CDCR maintained that his release followed standard statutory requirements. State officials noted that individuals serving determinate sentences can reduce their time in prison through worktime and good conduct credits.
Outrage and Community Concerns in Glendora
News of Luster residing in Glendora has sparked fierce pushback from city leaders and state lawmakers. They questioned how a convicted serial rapist could walk free after serving only a fraction of his original prison term.
Glendora Mayor David Fredendall strongly condemned the release, raising public safety concerns regarding the proximity of Luster’s residence to local schools, parks, and community facilities. In a public statement, Fredendall demanded greater transparency and accountability from state officials regarding supervision requirements.
“The City of Glendora is beyond disappointed. We are outraged,” said Mayor Fredendall. “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… The victims deserve better. The people of Glendora deserve better. California must do better.”
California Assemblywoman Blanca E. Rubio also voiced deep concern, stating that the decision undermines public confidence in the judicial system and sends a harmful message to survivors of violent crime. Local law enforcement agencies have indicated they will work alongside state parole authorities to ensure all applicable supervision conditions and laws are strictly monitored within the community.
