Michael Jackson Booked in Calif. Molestation Case
SANTA BARBARA, Calif. (Reuters) - Michael Jackson surrendered to authorities on Thursday to face accusations of child molestation,
again, reportedly stemming from allegations made by a 12-year-old boy who stayed with Jackson at his Neverland Ranch.
It was the second time in 10 years that such allegations have been made against the performer, who rose to fame as the young lead singer of the Jackson 5 during the 1960s, came of age as a wildly popular solo star and now fancies himself as a modern-day "Peter Pan," the boy who never grew up.
Earlier this year, Jackson acknowledged in a TV documentary that he has shared his bed "with many children" and appeared on camera holding hands with a 12-year-old boy who Jackson said was an overnight guest. Jackson insisted then there was nothing sexual about such sleepovers, which he viewed as an innocent form of affection.
"He understands the people who are outraged, because
if these charges were true, I am sure that Michael would be the first to be outraged," Geragos added. "He looks forward to getting into a courtroom as opposed to any other forum and confronting these accusations head on."
Santa Barbara District Attorney Thomas Sneddon has said Jackson will be charged under a California law that defines molestation as "arousing, appealing to, or gratifying the lust, passions or sexual desires of" the offender or a child under age 14. Each charge carries a penalty of three to eight years in prison.
My Sardonic Thoughts
- Does this look like Peter Pan to you?
- Does it look like someone who even understands the charges?
- "if these charges were true, Michael would be the first to be outraged" ... of course, because then he'd have to face three to eight years in prison - and there are no 12 year olds there.
