SANTA MARIA, Calif. (AP) — With a quiet nod to the judge, pop star Michael Jackson pleaded not guilty yesterday to charges of child molestation and conspiracy involving child abduction and extortion.
The grand jury indictment, read in court just before the plea, included accusations of lewd acts and attempted lewd acts involving a child, as well as administering an intoxicating agent to a child. The acts purportedly occurred between Feb. 1 and March 31, 2003.
Mr. Jackson, who had been scolded by the judge for showing up late to his last hearing, arrived 40 minutes early yesterday, smiling and waving to fans as he entered the courtroom under an umbrella. He wore a dark jacket with a red armband and red tie.
In court, the singer was calm as his attorney entered the plea of not guilty. Superior Court Judge Rodney Melville asked Mr. Jackson if that was correct, and he nodded.
In brief comments afterward, Mr. Jackson’s new defense attorney Thomas Mesereau Jr., said the case should not be about lawyers or celebrity.
“This case is about one thing only. It’s about the dignity, the integrity, the decency, the honor, the charity, the innocence and the complete vindication about a wonderful human being named Michael Jackson,” said Mr. Mesereau, who took over the case last weekend after the singer decided to remove the high-profile team of Mark Geragos and Benjamin Brafman.
Mr. Jackson thanked “the fans around the world for your love and support from every corner of the Earth.”
The indictment, issued in secret last month, replaces charges filed by prosecutors of seven counts of lewd or lascivious conduct involving a child under 14 and two counts of administering an intoxicant to a child under 14.
The judge agreed to requests from the prosecution and defense to seal parts of the conspiracy count, which make accusations of child abduction, false imprisonment and extortion.
The purported victim was identified as “John Doe,” and a witness was identified as “James Doe.” The child abduction, false imprisonment and extortion are not individual charges. Rather, they are included among 28 “overt acts” leading to the conspiracy count.
The judge said the transcripts of the grand jury proceedings would be turned over to attorneys Monday but will remain under seal pending a hearing May 28. Mr. Jackson waived his right to a speedy trial.
With an indictment, prosecutors don’t have to go through a preliminary hearing before the judge to show there is enough evidence to put the pop star on trial.
Outside the courthouse yesterday, some fans waved handmade signs toward the throng of television cameras.
Please read our comment policy before commenting.