Cosmetics Empire Heir Sentenced to 124 Years Released After Two Decades, Despite Victims’ Objections

A convicted sex offender who was originally sentenced to 124 years in prison has been released in California after serving roughly two decades behind bars. The decision has sparked anger from victims, prosecutors and local officials who say the outcome raises serious concerns about public safety.

Andrew Luster, 62, is the great-grandson of cosmetics mogul Max Factor. In 2003, he was convicted of 86 felony counts involving the drugging and sexual assault of three women. Prosecutors said he used GHB, a powerful sedative, to render victims unconscious before assaulting them. Some of the crimes were recorded, and the footage became important evidence during the case.

The case attracted national attention after Luster fled to Mexico while his trial was underway. He was later captured in Puerto Vallarta by bounty hunter Duane “Dog” Chapman. By that time, a jury had convicted him in absentia, and he had received a 124-year prison sentence.

His sentence was later reduced to 50 years after a court ordered a new sentencing hearing. Under California’s sentencing-credit rules, Luster became eligible for release after serving a substantially shorter period than the original sentence suggested. The California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation said his release was carried out according to applicable law and credited time earned for work and good conduct.

The decision has drawn strong criticism. All three victims reportedly objected during parole proceedings, while prosecutors argued that Luster had not adequately acknowledged the seriousness of his crimes. Glendora Mayor David Fredendall also publicly expressed outrage after learning Luster was reportedly living in the community.

The case has renewed debate about how California classifies certain sexual offenses and how sentencing credits affect the amount of time people serve in prison. Critics argue that the outcome does not reflect the gravity of the crimes, while corrections officials maintain that Luster’s release followed the rules governing his sentence.

For the survivors, the release has reopened painful memories of the crimes and the long legal process that followed. Their objections have become a central part of the public discussion surrounding the case.

Source: PEOPLE