US pop superstar Jackson surrenders to police

Home>>World

Last updated at: (Beijing Time) Friday, November 21, 2003

US pop superstar Jackson surrenders to police

US pop superstar Michael Jackson turned himself in Thursday to police in Santa Barbara of central California, on multiple charges of child molestation, the US TV network CNN reported.

DISCUSSION

CHINESE

SEND TO FRIEND

US pop superstar Michael Jackson turned himself in Thursday to police in Santa Barbara of central California, on multiple charges of child molestation, the US TV network CNN reported.

Jackson, 45, was escorted by police into the Santa Barbara Sheriffs Department after taking a chartered flight from Las Vegas,Nevada, where he had been shooting a music video.

The pop singer was seen in handcuffs when walking into the police department. He was to be fingerprinted and taken a mug shot to go through the legal process.

On Wednesday, Jackson's spokesman Stuart Backerman said that Jackson agreed to surrender himself in order to "confront and prove these charges unfounded."

Jackson reportedly denied all the allegations of molesting child. "Michael would never harm a child in any way," Backerman said. "When the evidence is presented and the allegations proven to be malicious and wholly unfounded, Michael will be able to put this nightmare behind him."

Speaking at a Wednesday news conference, Santa Barbara Sheriffs Department head Jim Anderson confirmed that an arrest warrant had been issued for Jackson on "multiple counts of child molestation." He also urged Jackson to surrender himself to the police custody.

The bail for Jackson's arrest warrant was set at 3 million US dollars, and he is also requested to surrender his passport when taken into custody.

About 70 officers and district attorney's officials conducted aday-long search Tuesday at Jackson's Neverland Ranch in the north of Santa Barbara as "part of an ongoing criminal investigation alleging criminal misconduct on the part of Michael Jackson."

Santa Barbara District Attorney Thomas Sneddon said the arrest warrant for Jackson was issued for violation of Section 288 of the California Penal Code -- which prohibits lewd or lascivious acts with a child under age 14.

The California Penal Code says anyone convicted of the crime can be punished by three to eight years in prison.

In a Tuesday statement, Jackson denounced the media coverage ofthe police search of his ranch, saying that there are always dreadful allegations surfacing any time when he is to release a new album or project. He was referring to the Tuesday release of his greatest hits album "Number Ones."

But Sneddon denied any relation between the timing of police search to the release of Jackson's new release.

Local press report said the current allegations against Jackson were brought by a 12-or 13-year-old boy in Los Angeles. A therapist reported disclosures by the boy who spent time at Neverland Ranch and began therapy several months ago.

Jackson's career began to collapse in 1993 amid allegations that he molested a 14-year-old boy. He maintained his innocence, and charges were never filed as he reportedly paid a multimillion-dollar settlement.

Earlier this year, the US TV network ABC broadcast a television documentary, in which Jackson revealed that he had slept in a bed with many children.

Although Jackson denied that was related to any sexual acts, his revelations about relations with children prompted calls for a search of his ranch by California child welfare authorities.

Questions?Comments? Click here

Jackson to surrender to police Thursday: TV

Jackson Denies child molestation charges

Arrest warrant issued for US top pop singer Michael Jackson: TV

China slams AIT head's remarks on Taiwan issue ( 4 Messages)

Internet changes life in China: News focus ( 2 Messages)

2003, the first pageant year in China? ( 4 Messages)

US rushes to embrace strategy of "Iraqification" ( 4 Messages)

Traffic woes to ease with express thoroughfares ( 3 Messages)