Michael Jackson is charged with child molestation.

November 20, 2003:  In Santa Barbara CA, Michael Jackson is charged with seven (7) counts of child molestation and two (2) counts of administering an intoxicating agent for the purpose of committing a felony.   The complaint accused Jackson of having “substantial sexual conduct” with a boy under the age of 14 in February and March 2003.

The charges came a month after law enforcement executed a search warrant which included an arrest warrant on Michael Jackson and his “Neverland Ranch” home.   Jackson remained free, posting a $3 million dollar bond.

Jackson was defended by criminal defense attorney Mark Geragos who publically asserted the singer was innocent and accused the complainant and his family of bringing the charges for financial gain.

“Michael Jackson is unequivocally and absolutely innocent of these charges.”…”I’m telling you right now that there is absolutely no way that we will stand for this besmirching of this man with these horrible, horrible allegations, and I will tell you right now that there is no way that the prosecution will prevail in this case.” — Mark Geragos, Esq.

Ten years earlier Jackson was accused of child molestation but that case was settled out of court for an undisclosed about of money and no criminal charges were filed.

The People v. Jackson trial began on January 31, 2005, and lasted five months.  On June 13, 2005, Jackson was acquitted by a jury on all counts.  The prosecution had the accuser (14 year old boy), his brother and mother as witnesses.  Also, a former Jackson bodyguard, and a former Jackson maid testified, however the Jury questioned the credibility of all these witnesses as the former employees both had criminal convictions of their own.