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Once the verdict was read, Masterson was immediately deemed a flight risk by the judge due to the gravity of the charges and was taken into custody. He faces up to 30 years in prison—an outcome that underscores the gravity of the allegations and the seriousness with which the legal system has responded.
The Controversial Role of Scientology
An element that has added complexity to the case is the involvement of Scientology. The accusers and the defendant are both members of the Church of Scientology, which has historically been accused of shielding its members from accountability. During the trial, defense attorneys argued that the church may have biased the proceedings, citing incidents of alleged suppression or manipulation.