Cops probe Jacko leaks
2005-01-25 12:41
California - Sheriff's investigators denied they are the source of recent leaks to the media in the Michael Jackson child molestation case and added an investigation has been started to find who might be responsible.
A posting on the sheriff's website on Monday said the information that has been released is covered by Superior Court Judge Rodney Melville's sweeping gag order in the case.
"We consider the release of these materials to be a violation of the law," the online statement said.
"Some media commentators have alleged that we are responsible for these leaks. We are not. These accusations are irresponsible, unfounded and untrue."
Sgt Chris Pappas declined to comment further about the details, citing the judge's gag order.
The statement is, in part, a response to the recent ABC News report that quotes from transcripts of grand jury testimony given in the molestation case.
Jackson's accuser described the star's alleged crimes in graphic detail, including an incident when the pop star allegedly molested him on a bed.
ABC has not revealed how it received more than 1 900 pages of grand jury testimony.
Grand jury transcripts normally are made public in California 10 days after a defendant receives them. The judge, however, has kept the Jackson transcripts sealed, along with most other documents in the case.
Jackson, 46, was indicted in April on multiple counts of molestation and a count of conspiracy involving child abduction, false imprisonment and extortion. He has pleaded not guilty and is scheduled to stand trial on January 31.
Also on Monday, attorneys representing a group of media organisations filed a motion seeking to keep the testimony of child witnesses in the case open to the public.
Last week, prosecutors asked that testimony from Jackson's accuser and his brother be conducted in secret. They argued that the media and the public could listen to the testimony by an audio-only feed.
Melville will consider the motion on Friday.
- AP