The trial of former “That 70’s Show” star Danny Masterson has featured testimony from members or ex-members of Scientology who explained how the cult/religion worked to cover up the crimes of their members, particularly their high-profile adherents.

According to the Los Angeles Times, Masterson is accused of multiple rapes, some dating as far back as 2001.  The Church had accusers followed by private investigators, had one victim sign a statement saying was she was at fault for the attack, and silenced another by threatening to isolate her from her family forever.

Los Angeles County Superior Court Judge Charlaine Olmedo stated the group has “an expressly written doctrine” that “not only discourages, but prohibits” its members from reporting one another to law enforcement.

Three women testified in the hearing that Masterson raped them at various times since 2001.  Each woman described activities by other Scientology members or contractors to intimidate them to drop claims.

“Church policy explicitly demands Scientologists abide by all laws of the land, including the reporting of crimes. This is blatantly clear in the documents we understand were put before the Court — and many others,” Karin Pouw, the church’s top spokeswoman, wrote in an email to the LA Times, repeatedly noting the church is not a party in the criminal case. “The Court either did not read them in full or ignored them. It should have done neither. Interpretation of Church doctrine by the courts is prohibited and the ruling is evidence of why.”