It's widely speculated and believed that Michael Jackson will beat the rap on his more serious child molestations charges, but yesterday the judge threw a curve ball that has the defense and the defendant very nervous.
Far from his earlier trial days when he jumped on an SUV to gaily wave to his cheering fans, Jackson left the courthouse appearing glum yesterday, after Judge Rodney Melville told jurors they may consider a "lesser charge" of "furnishing alcohol to a minor," which is a misdemeanor. That means that the jury does not have to relate the alcohol to an intent to molest.
And that's a problem for Jacko. Even if he's cleared of the 10 more serious charges -- which include four counts of committing a lewd act on a minor, false imprisonment and extortion -- a new alcohol charge carries a sentence of up to one year in county jail.
, The jury only has to accept that the star gave Gavin Arvizo alcohol, which the trial has heard Jackson call "Jesus juice", to find him guilty.
Gavin, both on the witness stand and in a videotaped police interview, said Jackson often gave him alcohol while he was staying at Neverland. The defense team has done little to challenge the use of alcohol and instead concentrated on refuting the allegations of child abuse.
Jackson mouthpiece Raymone Bain told reporters that the pop star is "nervous" and "upset." As well he should be. Maybe Michael Jackson, 46, now realizes it's illegal to pump little kids with liquor to get them drunk. Whether you intend to molest them or not.
The jury only has to accept that the star gave Gavin Arvizo alcohol, which the trial has heard Jackson call "Jesus juice", to find him guilty.
Gavin, both on the witness stand and in a videotaped police interview, said Jackson often gave him alcohol while he was staying at Neverland. The defense team has done little to challenge the use of alcohol and instead concentrated on refuting the allegations of child abuse.
Jackson mouthpiece Raymone Bain told reporters that the pop star is "nervous" and "upset." As well he should be. Maybe Michael Jackson, 46, now realizes it's illegal to pump little kids with liquor to get them drunk. Whether you intend to molest them or not.
