Actor Danny Masterson charged with sexually assaulting three women in California

Former “That 70s Show” star Danny Masterson was charged Wednesday with raping three women between 2001 and 2003. 

The actor faces three counts of “rape by force or fear,” according to the Los Angeles County District Attorney’s Office. He is accused of raping a 23-year-old woman in 2001, a 28-year-old woman in April 2003 and a 23-year-old woman later that year between October and December.

All of the crimes are alleged to have occurred in Masterson’s home. He was arrested by Los Angeles police Wednesday, according to multiple reports. His bail was set at $3.3 million, and he was bonded out just over three hours after his arrest.

Masterson’s arraignment is scheduled for September 18. If convicted, he faces a possible maximum sentence of 45 years to life. 

The office did not file sexual assault charges based on two other allegations, citing insufficient evidence and a statute of limitations.

In 2017, Netflix cut ties with Masterson over sexual assault allegations, writing him out of the original show “The Ranch,” and the Los Angeles Police Department launched its investigation. 

Four women filed a lawsuit against Masterson and the Church of Scientology last year, accusing the actor and the organization of engaging in stalking, physical invasion of privacy and conspiracy to obstruct justice, in addition to other allegations, USA Today reported.

Masterson’s attorney, Tom Mesereau, said in a statement that the actor 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,” Variety reported.