Michael Jackson is, or arguably was, an icon in pop music. He has changed and revolutionized the way pop music is today. With catchy songs and upbeat lyrics, his diverse music has spawned the creation of many artists to come. But all of his glory and fame were suddenly stopped short when Jackson was accused of child molestation. Is this simply another case in order to gain money from Jackson, or is Michael really a child molester who should have been sentenced almost a decade ago? 

On November 19th, 2003, authorities issued a warrant for the arrest of Michael Jackson on 7 different acounts of molestation. Jackson’s arrest was said to be because of an alledged involvement with a 12-year-old boy. Michael found the allegations outrageous, and vowed to prove his innocence in court.  

As part of the criminal investigation, Jackson’s Neverland ranch was searched by 60 to 70 investigators from the Santa Barbara County Sheriff’s office who were called in to do a thorough inspection throughout Jackson’s home. They spent many hours at the ranch, trying to find any  information that could link information with the charges against Jackson.  

During the search at Michael’s home, authorities found letters along with photographs, videos, computers and discs. The letters will be a crucial element in the prosecution towards Jackson’s guilt. They were very explicit and intimate that showed a close familiarity between Jackson and the alledged victim. They were basically love letters from Jackson to the boy.  

After the search was finished, Michael was held in a Santa Barbara jail until he was later released on $3 million bail. Again, Michael pleaded innocent.  

In order to prove Michael Jackson’s innocence, Mark Geragos, Michael’s attorney, will try to demonstrate how the accusations are powered by money, as well as the credibility of the accuser’s family. The family of the child had already been involved in two previous cases that involved abuse alegations : a lawsuit that claimed the family was battered by mall security guards, and a divorce fight. In November of 2001, J.C Penny paid the boy’s family $137, 500 to settle a lawsuit claiming that the boy was beaten by the security guards, after leaving the store with unpaid merchandise. The family’s past legal cases could be critical in the case, if Mark Geragos can enter them into evidence to prove the lack of credibility of the accuser and the accuser’s mother.  

The prosecution have also said that there are witnesses to support the molestation. The alleged victim’s brother says he  « witnessed at least one act of molestation ». The boy’s sister also noticed a change in his attitude and the conversation she had while confronting him about his relationship with Jackson will also appear in court.

After a second search was made on February 2^nd, 2004, investigators seized more of Jackson’s possessions such as computers, legal documents, videotapes, digital cameras, and miscellaneous papers. Items found on the room’s nightstand included a letter and a note. Whether or not Michael is guilty, it has yet to be determined. In such a circumstance, it can only be hoped that, despite all the allegations, justice for once and for all will be served.