Jackson Prosecutors Want Jurors to Hear About Seven Other Boys

Jan. 10, 2005 — -- Prosecutors in the child molestation case against Michael Jackson want jurors to hear testimony about seven other boys who allegedly have been linked to him sexually in press reports or public or private accusations, ABC News has learned.

Jackson, 46, is facing trial for allegedly molesting a now-15-year-old boy who spent time at his Neverland ranch and is believed to be a cancer survivor who appeared in the 2003 British documentary "Living With Michael Jackson." He has pleaded not guilty to 10 charges that include felony conspiracy with 28 overt acts involving child abduction, false imprisonment and extortion. On Wednesday, Santa Barbara County prosecutors will try to convince Superior Court Judge Rodney Melville to allow testimony of Jackson's alleged past sexual offenses -- including the 1993 scandal in which a then-12-year-old boy made similar accusations against him -- into his upcoming child molestation trial.

Jackson has never been formally charged for any of the alleged past offenses. But prosecutors argue that the testimony shows a pattern of behavior and should be admitted under a 1995 California law that allows relevant previous acts to be considered in sex crimes cases, even if a defendant has never been prosecuted for the alleged actions.

Jackson's defense team insists all the allegations -- past and present -- are false and that the testimony should not be allowed because it unfairly inflames the jury and violates the pop star's right to a fair trial. His defense team has suggested the alleged victim's family is trying to get a monetary settlement. Some experts believe the prosecution needs the past allegations to help its case.

"The prosecution is taking this weak current case and trying to bolster it with prior bad acts," said ABC News legal consultant Dana Cole.

Perhaps the most important of the seven witnesses is his accuser from the 1993 scandal. Jackson has always denied any wrongdoing in the case, and prosecutors did not pursue charges against him after they said the alleged victim refused to testify. The boy and his family received a reported $20 million settlement from Jackson.