Actor Danny Masterson, famous for his role in “That ’70s Show” and “The Ranch,” was charged with rape in three separate alleged cases that happened nearly two decades ago.
The Los Angeles County District Attorney’s office released on Wednesday that a warrant was filed against Masterson on Tuesday for three counts of rape by force in the alleged assault of three different women between 2001 and 2003.
The victims were allegedly invited to his home in Hollywood Hills, where he forcibly raped a 23-year-old woman in 2001, a 28-year-old and another 23-year-old in 2003.
The district attorney’s release hid the identities of the three victims of the sexual assault.
Masterson faces a maximum sentence of 45 years to life in prison if convicted.
The D.A.’s Office however, declined to file sexual assault charges against Masterson in two other cases.
One was for insufficient evidence and the other based upon the statute of limitations for the alleged crime.
In February, Masterson denied accusations of him raping four women, and said that the lawsuit they have filed against him and the Church of Scientology is just a “shameful money grab”.
Masterson’s attorney Tom Mesereau released a statement claiming that Masterson “is innocent, and we’re confident that he will be exonerated when all the evidence finally comes to light and witnesses have the opportunity to testify.”
“Obviously, Mr. Masterson and his wife are in complete shock considering that these nearly 20-year old allegations are suddenly resulting in charges being filed, but they and their family are comforted knowing that ultimately the truth will come out,” Mesereau added.
“The people who know Mr. Masterson know his character and know the allegations to be false.”
The Church of Scientology, wherein Masterson is a member, was also charged after the women claimed they were stalked and harassed by the church to silence them after they filed the complaint.