Roanoke Times
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: WEDNESDAY, January 26, 1994 TAG: 9401260170
SECTION: NATIONAL/INTERNATIONAL PAGE: A-1 EDITION: METRO
SOURCE: Associated Press
DATELINE: SANTA MONICA, CALIF. LENGTH: Medium
Terms of the out-of-court agreement were confidential, although a source estimated it was at least $10 million.
The settlement probably could end the criminal investigation, experts said, but Jackson's problems were far from over.
"I am very happy with the resolution of this matter," said Larry Feldman, attorney for the boy, The boy, Feldman told reporters, was also "very happy with the resolution of this matter."
Feldman said nothing in the settlement pertained to the criminal investigation. He also did not rule out having the boy testify in any criminal proceeding.
"Nobody has bought anyone's silence," Feldman said. "We have been talking to the district attorney all along. The district attorney has taken all of our evidence."
Nonetheless, the out-of-court settlement is a blow to the criminal investigation. Had the case gone to court, prosecutors could have used the testimony and depositions in their pursuit of criminal charges.
"You could call it the rich man's exemption in a child molestation case," said Harlan Braun, a prominent Los Angeles defense attorney. "What it means is the person who buys off a minor gets away with it. It turns these sex cases into a private dispute."
Feldman and Jackson attorneys Johnnie Cochran and Howard Weitzman met privately in the chambers of Superior Court Judge David Rothman before the announcement.
Jackson did not issue a statement but insists he did nothing wrong.
"The resolution of this case is in no way an admission of guilt by Michael Jackson. In short, he is an innocent man who does not intend to have his career and his life destroyed by rumors and innuendo," Jackson's attorneys said in a statement.
Los Angeles District Attorney Gil Garcetti said the settlement won't affect his criminal investigation.
by CNB