Michael Jackson Charged with 'Lewd Acts' on Child
	2003-12-19 10:09:48 CRIENGLISH.com
	Michael Jackson was charged on Thursday with nine counts of molesting a young boy, including committing seven "lewd acts".
	Michael Jackson was charged on Thursday with nine counts of molesting a young boy, including committing seven "lewd acts," but the pop star's lawyer called the case a "shakedown" motivated by greed and revenge. The 45-year-old Jackson, is also accused of giving the boy, who is not identified in court papers, an "intoxicating agent" in order to make it easier to molest him. If found guilty, he could face more than 20 years in prison and be forced to register as a sex offender under California law. All of the charges stem from allegations that Jackson molested a boy under the age of 14 at his Neverland Valley Ranch, in the hills above Santa Barbara, earlier this year. (Cathleen)