King of Pop Faces 10 Felony Charges
With hundreds of fans, media galore, and enough security for the president, the Santa Maria court had the makings of a circus. But this time, Michael Jackson didn't play along, as the world was introduced to a new, lower-key King of Pop.
Wearing a traditional blazer, red tie and conservative glasses, Jackson arrived to court 40-minutes early -- a stark contrast to last time, when he was late and got scolded by the judge. There were also no theatrics or dancing this time, although he couldn't resist putting his hand over a courthouse camera.
Nearly half of Santa Maria's police officers, along with about 50 sheriff's deputies and over 100 members of the media were also on hand for Jackson's arrival to face an indictment on ten felony charges.
The charges, brought by a grand jury, include a conspiracy count alleging child abduction, false imprisonment and extortion. Also included were four counts of committing lewd acts on a child and one count of an attempted lewd act, as well as four counts of administering an intoxicating agent (wine) to further the commission of a felony.
Speaking in a whisper, Jackson responded "not guilty" to all charges.
There was a notable absence in the Jackson camp. Jermaine, still in the Middle East, and the reported loser of a family power struggle, was nowhere to be found. So Jackson received the charges accompanied by his parents, brothers Jackie and Randy and his new attorney Thomas Mesereau.
Deborah Oprie, a lawyer who was in court at the time, said the Jackson family was "shocked and terrorized" by the charges.
Afterward, a composed Jackson thanked his fans and praised potential jury members from Santa Maria. "I want to thank all my fans for their love and support," he said. "The people of Santa Maria are the best in the world."
Fans at the courthouse were kept back by barricades put up Thursday night. But that didn't stop Jackson's fans from boarding busses and holding vigils to pay tribute to their hero.
Jackson's biographer, Randy Tarabolenni, who watched the whole
thing, said he was impressed with Jackson's demeanor and says,
for the first time, the King of Pop is listening to his advisors.
"Michael, for the last 15 to 20 years has pretty much done
what he wants to do his way."
But for now, with these grave new charges, it looks like the new Michael Jackson is going to let others call the shots.
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