We announced last month the reasons that we would not be in court today for Danny Masterson’s sentencing. It’s a great disappointment for us not to be there, after the days we spent in both trials bringing you as much as we could during every moment of this court drama.
As we said, we were scheduled for a hospital procedure. It went really well, the doc tells us we got all the cancer, and the recovery is going along right on schedule. However, we are still not ready to fly across the country, and so we won’t be in court this morning.
Thankfully, we still have our sources at the courthouse, and they tell us that Masterson’s legal team submitted two motions for this sentencing, not just one, and that in the first motion, they are asking that any sentences handed down by Judge Charlaine Olmedo be served concurrently rather than consecutively.
On May 31, after a second trial, Danny Masterson was convicted of two counts of forcible rape, which each bring a penalty of 15 years to life, and a combined sentence of 30 years to life in prison. But Danny’s attorneys are asking that if he receives such a sentence, both counts could be served at the same time so that he faces only 15 to life.
In the second motion, the defense is asking once again for the charges to be thrown out entirely based on the statute of limitations. Judge Olmedo has fended this off numerous times, and we don’t suspect that it will work today.
The jury could not reach a verdict on the third count, but Judge Olmedo ruled that all three victims — Jane Does 1, 2, and 3 — will get a chance to make statements in court before she passes her sentence.
So it should be a dramatic day, and like you, we are wondering what it’s going to be like in there. Judge Olmedo once again ruled out cameras, but the gallery should be packed with observers and journalists. And the family section, will it have another full showing from the Masterson clan? We suspect it will.
They will no doubt have told Danny to ignore whatever sentence Judge Olmedo throws at him, and to focus on appealing the verdict based on Olmedo’s rulings. You can see it coming a mile away: Olmedo allowed in too much of Scientology and violated Masterson’s religious rights. Olmedo allowed in too many references to drugging, which he was never charged with. And so on.
We remember thinking that Judge Olmedo’s rulings on such matters were especially detailed and heavily researched, and this is the reason why: She knew that the post-conviction appeals would focus not so much on the Jane Doe victims, but on her.
We think it was a huge shock to Danny and his family that he was convicted. But they will likely be less shocked at a long sentence. They are expecting it, and they probably believe they have a good legal strategy to fight it at the appellate level.
How that actually plays out in court, we’ll be looking forward to hear from our numerous correspondents.
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Technology Cocktail
“Two weeks ago tomorrow I arrived in South Africa to review and assist the situation. The Central Org in Johannesburg is amongst the best we have and Scientology interest is way up in South Africa. Further, I am fairly sure now that in South Africa we have a starting point for broader activities. Our first action here is to put in a magazine for newsstand circulation. Another magazine for native consumption will probably follow.” — L. Ron Hubbard, 1960
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THE PROSECUTION OF DANNY MASTERSON
We first broke the news of the LAPD’s investigation of Scientology celebrity Danny Masterson on rape allegations in 2017, and we’ve been covering the story every step of the way since then. At this page we’ve collected our most important links as Danny faces a potential sentence of 45 years to life in prison. NOW WITH TRIAL INDEX.
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THE PODCAST: How many have you heard?
[1] Marc Headley [2] Claire Headley [3] Jeffrey Augustine [4] Bruce Hines [5] Sunny Pereira [6] Pete Griffiths [7] Geoff Levin [8] Patty Moher [9] Marc Headley [10] Jefferson Hawkins [11] Michelle ‘Emma’ Ryan [12] Paulette Cooper [13] Jesse Prince [14] Mark Bunker [15] Jon Atack [16] Mirriam Francis [17] Bruce Hines on MSH
— SPECIAL: The best TV show on Scientology you never got to see
[1] Phil Jones [2] Derek Bloch [3] Carol Nyburg [4] Katrina Reyes [5] Jamie DeWolf
— The first Danny Masterson trial and beyond
[18] Trial special with Chris Shelton [19] Trial week one [20] Marc Headley on the spy in the hallway [21] Trial week two [22] Trial week three [23] Trial week four [24] Leah Remini on LAPD Corruption [25] Mike Rinder 2022 Thanksgiving Special [26] Jane Doe 4 (Tricia Vessey), Part One [27] Jane Doe 4 (Tricia Vessey), Part Two [28] Claire Headley on the trial [29] Tory Christman [30] Bruce Hines on spying [31] Karen de la Carriere [32] Ron Miscavige on Shelly Miscavige [33] Karen de la Carriere on the L’s [34] Mark Bunker on Miscavige hiding [35] Mark Plummer [36] Mark Ebner [37] Karen Pressley [38] Steve Cannane [39] Fredrick Brennan [40] Clarissa Adams [41] Louise Shekter [42] John Sweeney [43] Tory Christman [44] Kate Bornstein [45] Christian Stolte [46] Mark Bunker [47] Jon Atack [48] Luke Y. Thompson [49] Mark Ebner [50] Bruce Hines [51] Spanky Taylor and Karen Pressley [51] Geoff and Robbie Levin [52] Sands Hall [53] Jonny Jacobsen [54] Sandy Holeman
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“The most sorrowful engram I ever ran into was an AA [attempted abortion] on Christmas Eve. This was a brutal one. This person couldn’t even start to come near a Christmas tree without going to pieces. He didn’t want anything to do with Christmas or any part of it. He was very peculiar about presents. If anybody tried to give him a present, he would say the social amenities of ‘Thank you very much. Oh, yes, I enjoy it a great deal,’ and then hastily throw it into a trunk to get it out of sight so that he wouldn’t run into it again. This peculiar behavior was occasioned by the very sad engram of a mutual AA where Papa was being very brutal. He got drunk and decided that he didn’t want any children around. He did this AA against protest, at the same time talking about Christmas. And then he said, ‘I’ve got a present for him,’ and thrust a needle right straight through the embryo. One thrust, one phrase. It really messed up that person’s life. Mama went to the doctor shortly afterwards and got herself patched up and the baby came through.” — L. Ron Hubbard, September 7, 1950
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To relieve the feeling it’s a totally nutty planet, there are several PLUS-POINTS. 1. Orgs are there. Last Oct. they would have gone bankrupt but hard work by MSH and Gdn Office using FP No. 1 and CS-3 and FBOs got their cash-bills graphs into a solvent situation. 2. We have a strong SO unit at UK and a competent SO C/O at WW who is getting in a CIC at WW. We have the UK SO member aboard in training to put the Liaison Bureaux into UK. 3. We have trained a new C/O for AOSHDK and he is reported by one of our officers just there to be making the fur fly.” — The Commodore, September 7, 1970
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“Levitation is possible. Like making the body float. I imagine with lots of spiritual practice you can do it, i remember some Scientologists could do it back in the 50s. Apparently when someone is possesed by a demon they can start speaking a foreign language they never learnt and suddenly can levitate. The Exorcist movie is literally based on true stories. Preists who do exorcisms know about this. This is all true, people really dont know whats actually possible”
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1998: “Dr. David Minkoff, the doctor who pronounced Lisa McPherson dead at Port Richey Hospital, has settled with the McPherson estate. The settlement is confidential, and no other details are available. The remaining defendants, including the Church of Scientology d/b/a Flag Land Base, remain in litigation.”
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“YouTube routinely takes down videos after DMCA complaints without any sort of review, especially if the complaint comes from a paying customer.”
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Full Court Press: What we’re watching at the Underground Bunker
Criminal prosecutions:
— Danny Masterson charged for raping three women: Found guilty on two counts on May 31, remanded to custody. Sentencing on Sep 7.
— ‘Lafayette Ronald Hubbard’ (a/k/a Justin Craig), aggravated assault, plus drug charges: Grand jury indictments include charges from an assault while in custody. Trial scheduled for August 15.
— David Gentile, GPB Capital, fraud.
Civil litigation:
— Leah Remini v. Scientology, alleging ‘Fair Game’ harassment and defamation: Complaint filed August 2, first hearing set for Dec 4.
— Baxter, Baxter, and Paris v. Scientology, alleging labor trafficking: Forced to arbitration. Plaintiffs allowed interlocutory appeal to Eleventh Circuit.
— Valerie Haney v. Scientology: Forced to ‘religious arbitration.’
— Chrissie Bixler et al. v. Scientology and Danny Masterson: Appellate court removes requirement of arbitration on January 19, case remanded back to Superior Court. Stay in place at least through sentencing of Masterson on Sep 7. Next hearing set for Sept 26.
— Jane Doe 1 v. Scientology, David Miscavige, and Gavin Potter: Case unsealed and second amended complaint filed. Next hearing Nov 6.
— Chiropractors Steve Peyroux and Brent Detelich, stem cell fraud: Ordered to mediation.
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After the success of their double-Emmy-winning, three-season A&E series ‘Scientology and the Aftermath,’ Leah Remini and Mike Rinder continue the conversation on their podcast, ‘Scientology: Fair Game.’ We’ve created a landing page where you can hear all of the episodes so far.
LEAH REMINI: SCIENTOLOGY AND THE AFTERMATH
An episode-by-episode guide to Leah Remini’s three-season, double-Emmy winning series that changed everything for Scientology watching. Originally aired from 2016 to 2019 on the A&E network, and now on Netflix.
SCIENTOLOGY’S CELEBRITIES, from A to Z
Find your favorite Hubbardite celeb at this index page — or suggest someone to add to the list!
Other links: SCIENTOLOGY BLACK OPS: Tom Cruise and dirty tricks. Scientology’s Ideal Orgs, from one end of the planet to the other. Scientology’s sneaky front groups, spreading the good news about L. Ron Hubbard while pretending to benefit society. Scientology Lit: Books reviewed or excerpted in a weekly series. How many have you read?
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THE WHOLE TRACK
[ONE year ago] The best TV show on Scientology you never got to see, Episode 5: Jamie DeWolf
[TWO years ago] Why Scientology celebrity Elisabeth Moss is problematic as an icon of reproductive rights
[THREE years ago] Prosecutors: Judge isn’t getting the point about Dennis Nobbe’s post-arrest shenanigans
[FOUR years ago] More filmmakers who are helping out Scientology with its TV network
[FIVE years ago] Another life connected to Scientology ends in despair, as so many do
[SIX years ago] Forced to open its books, one overseas Scientology rehab shows that business is grim
[SEVEN years ago] Scientology’s secret sites: The Bunker premieres drone footage never before seen of ‘Int Base’
[EIGHT years ago] TEN YEARS GONE: Shelly Miscavige, the wife Scientology’s leader wants us to forget
[NINE years ago] Sunday Funnies: Scientology is going down in style!
[TEN years ago] Scientology Heresy: Jon Atack on L. Ron Hubbard’s Debt to Psychiatry
[TWELVE years ago] The Top 25 People Crippling Scientology, No. 11: Nick Xenophon
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Bernie Headley (1952-2019) did not see his daughter Stephanie in his final 5,667 days.
Valerie Haney has not seen her mother Lynne in 3,145 days.
Katrina Reyes has not seen her mother Yelena in 3,660 days
Sylvia Wagner DeWall has not seen her brother Randy in 3,210 days.
Brian Sheen has not seen his grandson Leo in 2,200 days.
Geoff Levin has not seen his son Collin and daughter Savannah in 2,081 days.
Christie Collbran has not seen her mother Liz King in 5,385 days.
Clarissa Adams has not seen her parents Walter and Irmin Huber in 3,256 days.
Doug Kramer has not seen his parents Linda and Norm in 2,361 days.
Jamie Sorrentini Lugli has not seen her father Irving in 4,808 days.
Quailynn McDaniel has not seen her brother Sean in 4,150 days.
Dylan Gill has not seen his father Russell in 12,716 days.
Melissa Paris has not seen her father Jean-Francois in 8,635 days.
Valeska Paris has not seen her brother Raphael in 4,802 days.
Mirriam Francis has not seen her brother Ben in 4,384 days.
Claudio and Renata Lugli have not seen their son Flavio in 4,645 days.
Sara Goldberg has not seen her daughter Ashley in 3,681 days.
Lori Hodgson has not seen her son Jeremy and daughter Jessica in 3,397 days.
Marie Bilheimer has not seen her mother June in 2,961 days.
Julian Wain has not seen his brother Joseph or mother Susan in 1,276 days.
Charley Updegrove has not seen his son Toby in 2,451 days.
Joe Reaiche has not seen his daughter Alanna Masterson in 7,002 days
Derek Bloch has not seen his father Darren in 4,133 days.
Cindy Plahuta has not seen her daughter Kara in 4,471 days.
Roger Weller has not seen his daughter Alyssa in 9,326 days.
Claire Headley has not seen her mother Gen in 4,445 days.
Ramana Dienes-Browning has not seen her mother Jancis in 2,801 days.
Mike Rinder has not seen his son Benjamin and daughter Taryn in 7,104 days.
Brian Sheen has not seen his daughter Spring in 3,210 days.
Skip Young has not seen his daughters Megan and Alexis in 3,608 days.
Mary Kahn has not seen her son Sammy in 3,484 days.
Lois Reisdorf has not seen her son Craig in 3,049 days.
Phil and Willie Jones have not seen their son Mike and daughter Emily in 3,562 days.
Mary Jane Barry has not seen her daughter Samantha in 3,816 days.
Kate Bornstein has not seen her daughter Jessica in 14,925 days.
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Posted by Tony Ortega on September 7, 2023 at 07:00
E-mail tips to tonyo94 AT gmail DOT com or follow us on Twitter. We also post updates at our Facebook author page. After every new story we send out an alert to our e-mail list and our FB page.
Our new book with Paulette Cooper, Battlefield Scientology: Exposing L. Ron Hubbard’s dangerous ‘religion’ is now on sale at Amazon in paperback and Kindle formats. Our book about Paulette, The Unbreakable Miss Lovely: How the Church of Scientology tried to destroy Paulette Cooper, is on sale at Amazon in paperback, Kindle, and audiobook versions. We’ve posted photographs of Paulette and scenes from her life at a separate location. Reader Sookie put together a complete index. More information can also be found at the book’s dedicated page.
The Best of the Underground Bunker, 1995-2022 Just starting out here? We’ve picked out the most important stories we’ve covered here at the Underground Bunker (2012-2022), The Village Voice (2008-2012), New Times Los Angeles (1999-2002) and the Phoenix New Times (1995-1999)
Other links: BLOGGING DIANETICS: Reading Scientology’s founding text cover to cover | UP THE BRIDGE: Claire Headley and Bruce Hines train us as Scientologists | GETTING OUR ETHICS IN: Jefferson Hawkins explains Scientology’s system of justice | SCIENTOLOGY MYTHBUSTING: Historian Jon Atack discusses key Scientology concepts | Shelly Miscavige, 15 years gone | The Lisa McPherson story told in real time | The Cathriona White stories | The Leah Remini ‘Knowledge Reports’ | Hear audio of a Scientology excommunication | Scientology’s little day care of horrors | Whatever happened to Steve Fishman? | Felony charges for Scientology’s drug rehab scam | Why Scientology digs bomb-proof vaults in the desert | PZ Myers reads L. Ron Hubbard’s “A History of Man” | Scientology’s Master Spies | The mystery of the richest Scientologist and his wayward sons | Scientology’s shocking mistreatment of the mentally ill | The Underground Bunker’s Official Theme Song | The Underground Bunker FAQ
Watch our short videos that explain Scientology’s controversies in three minutes or less…
Check your whale level at our dedicated page for status updates, or join us at the Underground Bunker’s Facebook discussion group for more frivolity.
Our non-Scientology stories: Robert Burnham Jr., the man who inscribed the universe | Notorious alt-right inspiration Kevin MacDonald and his theories about Jewish DNA | The selling of the “Phoenix Lights” | Astronomer Harlow Shapley‘s FBI file | Sex, spies, and local TV news | Battling Babe-Hounds: Ross Jeffries v. R. Don Steele
Tony Ortega at The Daily Beast
