Jackson walks into jail to face abuse charges

A HANDCUFFED Michael Jackson walked into jail last night to face child molestation charges that could destroy the pop superstar's career and send him to prison for years.

National television cameras gave the event star treatment - interrupting regular programming to show the singer's private jet land.

Santa Barbara sheriff's deputies met the 45-year-old Jackson at the airport and took him into custody inside a hangar to avoid the embarrassment of having the arrest caught on camera.

But a few minutes later, cameras caught a glimpse of Jackson, dressed in black, being escorted into Santa Barbara's main jail. His hands were behind his back - in handcuffs.

Jackson was accompanied by defence attorney, Mark Geragos, who said earlier he arranged the surrender.

Mr Geragos later emerged and told reporters that Jackson had posted bail and had been "processed out". Bail had been set at $3 million in the arrest warrant.

"He's come back specifically to confront these charges head on," Mr Geragos said. "He is greatly outraged by the bringing of these charges. He considers this to be a big lie. "I'm here to tell you today, Michael has given me the authority to say on his behalf these charges are categorically untrue. He looks forward to getting into a courtroom as opposed to any other forum and confronting these accusations head on."

Jermaine Jackson angrily defended his brother in an interview with CNN.

"The whole family supports Michael 100%, 1,000%. Michael is innocent," he said yesterday.

"My brother is not eccentric. We had an incredible, wonderful childhood," he said. "At the end of the day, this is nothing but a modern-day lynching."

Earlier yesterday, Mr Geragos confirmed the surrender was being arranged in Santa Barbara, where throngs of camera crews and news reporters awaited his arrival.

Jackson had left North Las Vegas Airport aboard a leased jet late yesterday morning heading for Santa Barbara Municipal Airport. The jet was said to be carrying Jackson, his family and a bodyguard.

Jackson had been in Las Vegas filming a music video when dozens of law enforcement agents swarmed his Neverland Ranch compound near Santa Barbara on Tuesday to serve a search warrant. Authorities announced Wednesday that an arrest warrant alleging child molestation had been issued. He had not been formally charged.