Jackson pleads not guilty
AFP, Santa Maria, California
Singer Michael Jackson pleaded not guilty yesterday to a 10 count grand jury indictment on child molestation charges including a new accusation of conspiracy to abduct a child. The new count alleged 28 "overt acts" pointing to a conspiracy involving child abducton, false imprisonment and extortion by the 45-year-old singer. There were four counts of lewd acts upon a child and one of an attempted lewd act on a child and four of administering alcohol to facilitate the acts. A plea of "not guilty to all charges" was entered by his new lawyer Thomas Mesereau. Judge Rodney Melville then turned to Jackson to ask if he agreed and the pop star nodded his head. A three million dollar bail order remains in force, the judge said. The hearing continued to decide future arrangements.
|
Pop idol Michael Jackson(C) raises his hand as he leaves Santa Maria Courthouse in Santa Maria, California, yesterday. Jackson pleaded not guilty to a 10-count grand jury indictment on child molestation charges, including a new accusation of conspiracy to abduct a child. PHOTO: AFP |
