# Max Factor heir's lawyer details judge error wiping 124-year rape sentence

> Former lawyer explains judge's mistake that erased 124-year prison term for convicted rapist.
- Title: Max Factor heir's lawyer details judge error wiping 124-year…
- Summary: Former lawyer explains judge's mistake that erased 124-year prison term for convicted rapist. Max Factor heir Andrew Luster's 124-year rape sentence was…
- Keywords: max factor, andrew luster, ventura county superior court, judge ken w. riley, j. david nick, california parole board, serial rapist, 124-year sentence, 50-year term, parole supervision, news, politics
- Source: Fox News — https://foxnews.com/us/max-factor-heir-former-lawyer-details-judge-error-wiped-124-year-rape-sentence
- Author: Greg Wehner
- Published: 2026-10-21T00:00:00+00:00
- Read time: 1 min
- Topics: max factor, andrew luster, ventura county superior court, judge ken w. riley, j. david nick, california parole board, serial rapist, 124-year sentence, 50-year term, parole supervision, news, politics
## Judge's error overturned sentence
A legal error led to Max Factor heir Andrew Luster's 124-year prison sentence being thrown out and replaced with a 50-year term.
## Original sentence details
Luster received 20 consecutive six-year terms for rape convictions, totaling 124 years, after being convicted in January 2003.
## Resentencing process
Ventura County Superior Court Judge Kathryne Ann Stoltz granted Luster a new sentencing hearing in March 2013 after finding the original court failed to explain consecutive sentences.
## Victim's letter request
One victim submitted a letter asking the judge to show leniency, stating, 'This is really gross what he did, but I think the guy's got some good character and you should be lenient on him.'

> This is really gross what he did, but I think the guy's got some good character and you should be lenient on him.
## Sentence reduction
The judge reduced Luster's sentence to 50 years by applying lighter terms to some rape counts, potentially saving 60 to 65 years in prison.
## Parole release details
Luster was released to parole supervision on October 11, 2026, after completing his legally calculated prison term with 977 days of pre-sentence credit.
## Prosecutors' stance
The Ventura County DA's office fought to preserve Luster's original 124-year sentence, stating drugging and raping women requires the strongest of sentences.
## Parole restrictions
Luster must register as a sex offender for life, remain under parole supervision for three years, and avoid contact with victims.
## Lawyer's defense
J. David Nick defended Luster's character, saying he never considered him dangerous despite his crimes.
## Public reaction
Local leaders in Glendora, California, raised public safety concerns after Luster's release.
## Key takeaway

Max Factor heir Andrew Luster's 124-year rape sentence was overturned due to a judge's error, reducing his term to 50 years and allowing release after 20 years.