Pop star Michael Jackson agreed last night to return from Las Vegas to his home in Santa Barbara, California, to face arrest on multiple charges of lewd and lascivious behaviour with a child under 14. Conor O'Clery, North America Editor, reports.
The charges each carry maximum sentences of more than eight years in prison, the District Attorney, Mr Tom Sneddon, told a press conference in Santa Barbara yesterday.
Mr Jackson's lawyer called the charges "outrageous" and said "Michael would never harm a child in any way". He said Jackson, who was in Las Vegas, Nevada, with his three children making a video, would return to confront the charges in court.
California police searched Mr Jackson's "Neverland" estate for 14 hours on Tuesday and videoed the house and grounds, looking for evidence that would corroborate the alleged victim's statement. The charges involve a co-operative victim, Mr Sneddon said, unlike the last time Mr Jackson was implicated in a sex abuse case in 1994, which was settled out of court.
Santa Barbara County Sheriff, Mr Jim Anderson, said bail would be set at $3 million and the entertainer would be asked to surrender his passport. Asked if Jackson was a flight risk, Mr Anderson said: "There's always that possibility but I believe he's willing to co-operate."
A juvenile court will decide if Michael Jackson's children, Prince Michael the 1st and 2nd, and Paris, should be removed from his care, Mr Sneddon said. The DA refused to reveal how many charges Jackson (45) faces or the age or gender of the alleged victim, believed to be a 12-year-old boy. An affidavit outlining details of the case will be sealed for 45 days. Sherriff Anderson said there was a possibility of more alleged victims and "we would encourage the public to come forward". Searches were conducted at two other locations in southern California, he said.