Jackson wanted for child abuse

MICHAEL JACKSON was tonight urged to “turn himself in” as officials revealed he faces multiple counts of child molestation.

An arrest warrant has been issued for the pop superstar amid reports that a 12 or 13-year-old boy has made an allegation of sexual abuse against the singer.

The 45-year-old star could face up to eight years in prison on each count if convicted, according to officials. Jim Anderson, sheriff of Santa Barbara County in California, said bail had been set at $3 million. Sheriff Anderson told a press conference that 70 investigators from the Santa Barbara County Sheriff’s Department and Santa Barbara District Attorney’s office served a search warrant at the star’s Neverland ranch yesterday and spent all day searching the site.

He explained that two search warrants were also simultaneously served in southern California. “The basis for this investigation regarding Michael Jackson involves allegations of child molestation,” he said. “An arrest warrant for Mr Jackson has been issued on multiple counts of child molestation.

“At this point in time Mr Jackson has been given an opportunity to surrender to the custody of the Santa Barbara Sheriff’s Department within a specified period of time.

“We are currently working with Mr Jackson’s legal representation on this matter. Mr Jackson has also been directed to surrender his passport when he’s taken into custody.”