Danny Masterson Found Guilty of Two Counts of Rape in Los Angeles Retrial

etonline.com:

Danny Masterson has been found guilty of two counts of forcible rape against two women who were also former members of the Church of Scientology, of which the  star is also a member.The verdict was read Wednesday in Los Angeles Superior Court, some six weeks after the retrial started.

While the embattled actor was found guilty on two counts, the jury deadlocked on the third count of rape. The jury — comprised of seven women and five men — deliberated for just over a week.

Back in November, Judge Charlaine F. Olmedo declared a mistrial after the jury came back deadlocked. Prosecutors accused Masterson, 47, of drugging his alleged rape victims and being a «predator» who thought he could shield himself behind the Church of Scientology's protection.«It all starts with a drink,» said deputy District Attorney Ariel Anson on Tuesday in closing arguments, via. «How many times have you heard the defendant ask, would you like a drink?

This is his play book, this is what he does…how he ensures to get what he wants.»Anson repeatedly hammered home that point, while alleging that Masterson essentially used the Church of Scientology as hunting ground for his next victim.«Like all predators, the defendant carefully sought out his prey,» she said. «What better hunting ground?»Anson added in her closing arguments, via, «The defendant drugged his victims to be in control.