Overview
- Masterson’s petition argues his trial attorney, Philip Cohen, provided ineffective assistance by calling no defense witnesses and speaking to only two of more than 20 proposed witnesses.
- The filing says a trove of unpresented exculpatory material is documented in 65 exhibits and asserts the jury heard only the prosecution’s account.
- It alleges anti‑Scientology bias in the investigation and trial, referencing the involvement of ex‑Scientologist Leah Remini, while the Church denies discouraging reports to police.
- Masterson, 49, is serving 30 years to life after a 2023 retrial that convicted him of raping two women, following a 2022 mistrial on the same charges.
- No hearing has been set on the habeas petition, a separate direct appeal remains pending, and Cohen and prosecutors have not issued substantive public responses.