Glendora Mayor Denounces Parole Release of Max Factor Heir Andrew Luster
Glendora Mayor David Fredendall expresses outrage as Max Factor heir Andrew Luster is released on parole after serving 20 years for serial rape convictions.
POLICY WIRE — Glendora, USA — The mayor of Glendora has voiced intense frustration following the release of Andrew Luster, a descendant of the Max Factor cosmetics dynasty, who was granted parole last week after serving two decades in state prison.
Luster, 62, was convicted in 2003 on 86 counts related to the drugging and sexual assault of three women. Mayor David Fredendall issued a statement on Friday declaring that the city is beyond disappointed and remains outraged by the development.
While Luster is reportedly living within the community, his exact location remains unverified. The convicted felon was originally captured in Mexico by bounty hunter Duane “Dog” Chapman before being returned to Southern California to face justice.
Although Luster was initially handed a 124-year prison term, a Ventura County Superior Court judge vacated that sentence in 2013, citing a failure to justify consecutive sentencing. The term was subsequently reduced to 50 years.
The California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation confirmed that Luster was released on October 11 after completing his sentence according to legal requirements. Officials noted that he earned 977 days of pre-sentence credit and additional good conduct credits while incarcerated.
Mayor Fredendall criticized the application of Proposition 57, which allows for early parole and credit adjustments. He argued that technical administrative calculations fail to address the public concern regarding how an individual sentenced to over a century in prison can be released after only 20 years.
The mayor is now demanding transparency from state lawmakers regarding the conditions of Luster’s parole and the safety measures implemented for local residents. He emphasized that the community stands in solidarity with the victims of these crimes.
Legal experts and local officials have also weighed in, with former Sacramento County District Attorney Ann Marie Schubert labeling the situation a travesty of justice. She noted that despite legislative changes in 2024, the law remains narrow and failed to retroactively address the classification of Luster’s offenses.
State Assemblywoman Blanca E. Rubio expressed that she is deeply disturbed by the release, stating it raises significant questions about accountability within the California parole system. The office of Governor Gavin Newsom has been contacted for comment regarding the matter.
Reporting by Policy-Wire (PW)
