Andrew Luster released early after serving half of 150-year sentence

Andrew Luster, the billionaire heir to the Max Factor cosmetics fortune, was granted early release from California’s prison system on Tuesday, a decision that will allow him to leave custody after serving roughly half of his 150‑year sentence for a string of sexual assaults. The parole board approved his release on the condition that he remain under strict supervision in Los Angeles County.

Luster’s case has loomed large for nearly three decades. In 2003 he was convicted of raping at least 86 women in a series of assaults that spanned the late 1990s. He was sentenced to 150 years, a term meant to ensure he would never be free again. After a brief stint on parole in 2006, he was sent back to prison for violating the conditions of his release. The latest decision comes amid a broader debate over how the criminal‑justice system handles wealthy offenders and whether public safety can be guaranteed when high‑profile inmates are released early.

Victims’ groups and prosecutors blasted the board’s move as a betrayal of justice. The District Attorney’s office released a statement calling the decision “a grave error” and urged the governor to intervene. Advocacy organizations for sexual‑assault survivors organized protests outside the parole hearing venue, demanding that Luster remain incarcerated. Television commentator Nancy Grace, who has covered the case for years, called the release “a slap in the face to every survivor who trusted the system.” Lawmakers in the state have already signaled they will review parole policies that may favor affluent defendants.

Under the terms of his release, Luster will be fitted with an electronic monitoring bracelet and required to check in with a parole officer weekly. He must also attend counseling and is barred from contacting any of his victims. If he violates any condition, he can be returned to prison immediately. The case is expected to spark legislative hearings on parole reform, with some legislators proposing stricter criteria for early release in violent‑crime cases. The public’s reaction will likely shape whether California tightens its rules or continues to allow discretionary releases for high‑profile inmates.