Max Factor Heir Released on Parole After 23 Years in Prison

An heir to cosmetics entrepreneur Max Factor, convicted of 86 sex offenses, has been released on parole in California. The man, now 62, was sentenced to 124 years in prison in 2003. According to the Swiss newspaper Blick, he was released last weekend after 23 years behind bars, 101 years earlier than originally imposed.

His sentence had already been reduced to 50 years in 2013. According to California authorities, credits for work and good behavior helped him secure early release.

City of Glendora demands answers

Andrew L. is now said to be living in Glendora, a city in the Los Angeles area, according to broadcaster CBS. In a statement, city officials demanded an explanation of exactly how the early release came about.

Assemblywoman Blanca E. Rubio called the release "disgusting and unacceptable."

Women drugged with date-rape drug

The court had found Andrew L. guilty of rape and poisoning, among other charges. He drugged and abused at least three women with so-called liquid ecstasy. He recorded two of the crimes on video.

The crimes came to light when a then 21-year-old woman filed a complaint in 2000. He had met her in a bar in Santa Barbara, secretly given her the drug there and then sexually abused her multiple times in a bungalow. The next day, he told her about it.

Police recorded a telephone call between the two in which he admitted giving her the drug. During a search of his home, investigators seized videos and photos. They showed him engaging in sexual acts with 13 apparently unconscious women.

The investigation was limited to three women and a total of 88 sexual acts in 1996, 1997 and 2000. Only in these cases were there complaints, identifiable victims and evidence admissible in court. It was enough for a conviction on 86 counts.

Fled to Mexico during the trial

During the trial, the defendant was allowed to move freely during the day while wearing an ankle monitor. A few weeks after the trial began, he suddenly could no longer be tracked through it. The 124-year sentence was handed down in his absence.

He had fled to Mexico, where he lived under a false name in a cheap hotel. After about six months on the run, bounty hunter Duane "Dog" Chapman tracked him down and brought him back to the US, where he was sent to prison.

Assets transferred to his mother

According to Blick, the great-grandson of Max Factor originally lived off a trust fund of around 20 to 30 million. To avoid paying damages to his victims, he reportedly filed for personal bankruptcy in 2003. He is said to have transferred his house in Beverly Hills and other assets to his mother.