Posted on 04/07/2005 12:25:46 PM PDT by ex-Texan
From correspondents in Santa Maria, California
A FORMER security guard at Michael Jackson's Neverland Ranch has claimed he saw the star kissing, fondling and performing oral sex on a young boy in the 1990s.
Ex-guard Ralph Chacon told the superstar's child molestation trial in California that he saw the alleged incident when he peeked through a bathroom window one evening in late 1992 or early 1993.
The then 13-year-old boy involved in the alleged assault won a 1994 out-of-court settlement from Jackson in a deal that ensured his silence and averted a criminal trial.
Mr Chacon, who left Jackson's employment on bad terms in 1994, said he first saw the star and the boy in a Jacuzzi in a building near Neverland's amusement arcade, but the two got out and headed to the shower together.
Feeling something was amiss, the guard said he peeked through a window to see what was going on and saw Jackson and the boy standing naked together in the lighted bathroom.
"I was thinking, 'what's going on in there? Grown man in the shower with a boy' ... it wasn't right," he told trial jurors, who could jail Jackson for up to 20 years if he is convicted in the present case against him.
"I saw Mr Jackson caressing the boy's hair, he was kissing him," he said, adding that Jackson kissed the boy on various areas of his body.
He then told the court in the town of Santa Maria, where Jackson is on trial for allegedly molesting a 13-year-old boy two years ago, of the alleged incident of oral sex.
The former security guard, whom Jackson's lawyer said had lost a lawsuit he filed against the star for alleged wrongful dismissal, also recalled other incidents in which he claimed he saw Jackson kissing and touching the boy.
He said that on one occasion the kissing was "not long, but passionate".
Mr Chacon, who first mentioned the alleged assaults under oath in 1994, said he did not immediately report the incident to authorities as he did not think anyone would believe him. "Who would believe me?" he asked.
Legal analysts following the case said the testimony would deal a major blow to Jackson's defence as it was likely to make an impression on jurors.
The pop icon's mother, Katherine, left the courtroom shortly before the graphic testimony began, and some fans of the embattled superstar cried in the public gallery as they heard the account.
But Jackson's lead lawyer Thomas Mesereau immediately moved to limit the damage from Mr Chacon's testimony.
He pointed out that the former security guard, who worked for Jackson from 1991 to 1994, had lost a wrongful dismissal lawsuit against the star and had been ordered to pay Jackson $US1.5 million ($1.95m) in damages and legal costs after his lawsuit was ruled fraudulent and malicious.
In the lawsuit, Mr Chacon had sought $US16 million ($20.8m) in damages from Jackson, Mr Mesereau said.
"You tried to extort Mr Jackson, right?" he asked the witness before he was interrupted by an objection from prosecutors.
Relatives of the now 25-year-old boy involved in the alleged incident have said he will not testify at Jackson's trial.
While Jackson has never faced criminal charges in connection with previous alleged acts of molestation, Judge Rodney Melville has allowed prosecutors to tell jurors of five unproved claims against the star in order to show a possible pattern of child abuse.
The star has denied 10 counts in the case against him, including molestation, plying the boy with alcohol and plotting to keep him and his family captive at Neverland.
White toast.
Sorry, as much as I think Jackson is a nut case, I think Jackson will get off in this trial. The evidence is just not there. Too many so-called prosection witnesses were money-hungry and not credible.
Big "if."
You just never know!
There are Freepers who believe
Jackson's not guilty!
What do you think Greta will talk about tonight.
Lmao
he will walk to molest again
I don't think he will be convicted - too much money involved.......
Ahem...curious but appropriate choice of words.
I think he is toast regardless. I do believe he is a pedophile and I hope he is taken away so no other child has to endure his abuse.
Ya know, MJ may not be as stupid as I first thought. He has picked the best kind of victim, the kind that no one will believe.
I aint one of them but i think he will walk
IMPO he will not traveling down to Australia to perform pop concerts anytime soon. This news is all over the entire world right now. Michael Jackson is selling his 'Neverland Ranch.' I heard a rumor that Disney wants to buy it and rename it 'Neverland Raunch' . . . But that is probably just a nasty internet rumor anyway. Disney employees would proably have a great time playing 'Mickie loves Goofy' games.
but at least it asn't 'sex'
Just when I thought it was safe to get the TV out of the closet and let the kids watch again ...
I think he will get convicted however I don't think he will go to a prison setting but rather some nut farm. The jury can't believe that all thse kids/witnesses are untruthful. The 24 yr old youth minister alone will seal the deal.. Michael completely disgusts me to no end and I think it is sad we are down to will he or won't he get convicted when you know if that were your next door neighbor it would be all over but the crying!
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