California city condemns release of serial rapist and Max Factor heir

A California serial rapist who was once sentenced to 124 years in prison is now free after serving roughly two decades behind bars, sparking outrage in the Southern California city where he is reportedly living.

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Andrew Luster, 62, the great-grandson of cosmetics magnate 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 .

“The City of Glendora is beyond disappointed,” Fredendall said. “We are outraged.” 

Luster was convicted in 2003 on 86 felony 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 Ventura County beachfront home and recorded two of the assaults. During his trial, Luster fled to Mexico, where bounty hunter and TV star Duane “Dog” Chapman captured him months later.

His original 124-year prison sentence was reduced to 50 years in 2013 over prosecutors’ objections. In August 2024, a two-person parole panel approved his early release despite objections from all three victims. Ventura County District Attorney Erik Nasarenko successfully challenged the decision, which the full Board of Parole Hearings reversed that October.

“Our office stands firmly against the release of Andrew Luster,” Nasarenko said at the time. “His heinous acts, which include drugging and raping his victims, warrant a full and complete prison sentence.”

Despite the reversal, prosecutors acknowledged that Luster would be released by late 2026. State corrections officials said Luster accumulated 977 days of worktime and good conduct credits toward his release under California law.

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Fredendall criticized Proposition 57, the voter-approved 2016 measure that expanded opportunities for sentencing credits and parole consideration, arguing that state policies had allowed Luster to return to a residential community.

“The people of Glendora should not have to worry about their safety because of a decision by the State that allows an individual with a history of rape and violence to now live in close proximity to 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 must do better,” Fredendall said.