Michael vows to fight back
2003-11-20 07:39
Los Angeles - Michael Jackson has vowed to fight "scurrilous and totally unfounded" allegations of child molestation.
Jackson released a statement after police issued an arrest warrant for the star on multiple counts of child molestation, but the 45-year-old recluse strenuously denied the charges.
Santa Barbara County Sheriff Jim Anderson appealed to Jackson to turn himself in and said that bail had been set at $3 million.
The warrants were issued under a California law that prohibits "lewd and lascivious conduct with children under the age of 14", Anderson said at a rowdy press conference attended by hundreds of journalists from around the world.
If convicted, Jackson faces three to eight years in prison on each count.
A statement issued on behalf of Jackson said: "Michael would never harm a child in any way. These scurrilous and totally unfounded allegations will be proven false
in a courtroom."
Confront charges
It added: "Michael through his attorneys ... has already made arrangements with the district attorney to return to Santa Barbara to immediately confront these charges."
Jackson will turn himself in on Thursday morning, CNN reported, quoting a "knowledgeable" source.
Anderson said police were in contact with Jackson's lawyers to arrange his surrender and said Jackson would be required to give up his passport if he wished to be freed on bail.
Jackson's statement also condemned the atmosphere of "levity" at the press conference, during which authorities occasionally joked with reporters.
Civil suit unlikely
District Attorney Tom Sneddon said Jackson's accuser was co-operating with investigators and was unlikely to present a civil suit against the music icon.
Jackson was investigated for similar charges in 1993 but settled a civil lawsuit with his accuser and the boy's family for a reported $15 million to $20 million. The boy refused to testify, and the criminal investigation against Jackson was dropped.
Sneddon said that under current law, which was changed because of the 10-year-old Jackson case, the accuser could be forced to testify.
Sneddon refused to say how long Jackson would be given to surrender. He also did not detail when the molestations took place, whether they involved a boy or girl or if more than one victim was involved. Anderson appealed to the public to come forward with any information concerning the case.
The press conference came a day after about 60 officers conducted searches late into the night on Tuesday at Jackson's sprawling $12 million Neverland Ranch, which includes a mansion, a zoo and an amusement park. - Sapa-DPA
- SAPA