Danny Masterson, star of ‘The Ranch’ and ‘That ’70s Show,’ charged with three counts of rape

Danny Masterson, the actor ousted from Netflix’s “The Ranch” amid sexual assault allegations, has been charged with forcibly raping three women in separate incidents between 2001 and 2003, the district attorney in Los Angeles County announced Wednesday.

Masterson, 44, was charged with three counts of rape by force or fear. His arraignment is scheduled for September 18.

Deputy District Attorney Reinhold Mueller of the Sex Crimes Division, who is prosecuting the case, said all of the alleged crimes occurred at Masterson’s home Hollywood Hills.

Masterson’s attorney, noted criminal defense lawyer Tom Mesereau, issued a statement declaring Masterson “innocent.” 

“We’re confident that he will be exonerated when all the evidence finally comes to light and witnesses have the opportunity to testify,” the statement said. 

Masterson is accused of raping a 23-year-old woman between January and December 2001, according to the complaint. In April 2003, he is accused of raping a 28-year-old woman. And sometime between October and December of 2003, he is accused of raping a 23-year-old woman he had invited to his home.

Danny Masterson, the actor ousted from Netflix’s “The Ranch” amid sexual assault allegations, has been charged with forcibly raping three women in separate incidents between 2001 and 2003, the district attorney in Los Angeles County announced Wednesday. (Photo: Annie I. Bang, Annie I. Bang/Invision/AP)

If convicted as charged, he faces a possible maximum sentence of 45 years to life in state prison.

However, Los Angeles District Attorney Jackie Lacey said her office declined to file sexual assault charges against Masterson in two other cases, one because there was insufficient evidence and the other based on the statute of limitations.

More: Danny Masterson’s rape accusers claim he stalked them; actor decries ‘ridiculous’ lawsuit

Masterson’s lawyer said Wednesday the actor is shocked over the charges.

“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 said in a statement. “The people who know Mr. Masterson know his character and know the allegations to be false.” 

In late 2017, multiple women accused Masterson of sexually assaulting them, which led to his ouster from his role on Netflix’s “The Ranch.”

More: Leah Remini sits down with Danny Masterson’s accusers for ‘Scientology’ series finale

Last August, four women who accused Masterson of raping or sexually assaulting them filed a lawsuit in Los Angeles Superior Court against him and the Church of Scientology, according to the Huffington Post and The Hollywood Reporter.

The suit accused Masterson and the Church of Scientology of engaging in stalking, physical invasion of privacy and a conspiracy to obstruct justice, among other allegations, according to a complaint.

More: Netflix executive fired after saying company didn’t believe Danny Masterson accusers

Huffington Post reported back in 2017 that a case from one of Masterson’s accusers did not move forward because the Church of Scientology intervened with more than 50 affidavits from Scientologists who denied the woman’s account.

Masterson “called the lawsuit “beyond ridiculous” in a statement to USA TODAY at the time.

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