Michael Jackson replaces lawyers

LOS ANGELES (AP) — Michael Jackson is replacing high-profile attorneys Mark Geragos and Benjamin Brafman in his child-molestation case, the lawyers said yesterday.

The pop star’s new lawyer will be Thomas Mesereau Jr., another well-known criminal defense attorney who represented actor Robert Blake in his murder case until they recently parted company, citing irreconcilable differences.

“Based on recent developments and discussions with various persons in the Jackson camp, it became clear that it would be best if Mark and I decided to step down,” Mr. Brafman said. “And that’s what we elected to do.”

Asked why, Mr. Brafman said, “For reasons we choose not to discuss publicly.”

He added, “We both wish Michael well.”

Mr. Mesereau declined to answer questions yesterday.

“I’ll have no comment on the developments until I appear in court Friday,” he said.

Jackson spokeswoman Raymone K. Bain said she was unaware of the change when asked about it by a reporter.

Mr. Geragos, who was in Northern California handling the Scott Peterson murder case yesterday, said he, Mr. Brafman and Mr. Mesereau will notify Santa Barbara County Superior Court Judge Rodney Melville of the substitution of counsel during a conference call today. He declined to discuss reasons for the change.

Dana Cole, a lawyer who has worked closely with Mr. Mesereau, said Mr. Mesereau was approached by Mr. Jackson soon after he was charged with child molestation. He said Mr. Mesereau was unwilling to take the case at the time because he was tied up with the Blake case.

He said Mr. Mesereau would represent Mr. Jackson at a pretrial hearing, where the singer is expected to be arraigned.

“Michael Jackson has always been very impressed with the pro-bono work and contributions Tom has made in the African-American community,” Mr. Cole said.

Santa Barbara District Attorney Thomas Sneddon had no comment.

Mr. Jackson’s case moved into a new phase last week when a grand jury indicted him on child-molestation charges. Contents of the indictment are not known and will be disclosed at his arraignment.

Mr. Jackson, 45, originally was charged with seven counts of lewd or lascivious conduct involving a child younger than 14 and with administering an intoxicant, reportedly wine, to a child younger than 14.