California Man’s Release Sparks Outrage Over Parole Decision

A man convicted of drugging and raping three women in California has been released after serving about 20 years in prison, igniting significant backlash from local officials due to safety concerns. Andrew Luster, the great-grandson of cosmetics mogul Max Factor, is now reportedly living in Glendora, California, according to KTLA.

Glendora Mayor David Fredendall criticized Luster’s release, expressing the community’s outrage, mentioning the seriousness of his crimes.

“The City of Glendora is beyond disappointed. We are outraged,” Fredendall stated. “Andrew Luster was convicted of 86 felony counts, including drugging and sexually assaulting women. He was originally sentenced to 124 years but is now living in our community. This is unacceptable.”

Luster was convicted in 2003 at his beachfront home in Ventura County, where he sexually assaulted women after drugging them with GHB. He fled to Mexico while on bail but was captured by bounty hunter Duane “Dog” Chapman and returned to serve a 124-year sentence.

In 2013, a judge reduced his sentence to 50 years, citing inadequate explanation for the original sentencing. Despite prosecutors describing his actions as “cruel, vicious and callous,” he was granted parole later. His release from prison occurred earlier than expected, stirring criticisms of California’s Proposition 57.

Proposition 57, passed in 2016, allows parole considerations for certain offenders. KTLA reported Luster’s denied parole in 2022 but mentioned a subsequent rejection in April 2025, pushing his expected incarceration to continue until October 2026.

Fredendall criticized broken promises associated with Proposition 57, emphasizing the discrepancies between the voters’ expectations and outcomes.

“Governor Jerry Brown and his administration assured voters that dangerous offenders would remain incarcerated,” Fredendall pointed out. “Technicalities and legal calculations don’t justify the early release of someone sentenced to 124 years.”

California Assemblywoman Blanca E. Rubio expressed her outrage at Luster’s release, underscoring the failure of the parole system in ensuring safety for victims and communities.

“Our justice system is failing to protect innocent people and hold violent criminals accountable,” Rubio stated. “Such decisions damage public trust and affect survivors of sexual assault.”

Local officials and law enforcement are working to understand the conditions of Luster’s parole. Meanwhile, Fredendall expressed concerns about him residing near schools and parks, pledging continued vigilance to protect residents.

“Our Police Department will cooperate with State parole authorities to ensure compliance with every applicable law,” Fredendall affirmed. “Local governments shouldn’t bear the burden of decisions made without transparency from Sacramento.”

The mayor demands more information about the decision from state officials to better protect Glendora’s residents.