Was Michael Jackson mishandled by Sheriff Department?

[wcrockets]

Sheriff Denies Jackson Abuse Claim

By JEFF WILSON, Associated Press Writer

SANTA BARBARA, Calif. - The Santa Barbara County sheriff denied Wednesday that Michael Jackson (news) was roughed up in jail, saying he was asking the state attorney general to investigate the pop star's claims.

"I'm shocked and troubled by his allegations," Sheriff Jim Anderson told a news conference.

In a CBS "60 Minutes" interview that was broadcast Sunday, Jackson said he was "manhandled" while in custody and locked in a feces-smeared restroom for 45 minutes after he asked to use the facilities.

Anderson said that he was taking Jackson's complaint of abuse as a formal citizen's complaint. If Jackson's claims are found to be untrue by a state investigation, Anderson said, he would file a complaint against Jackson for making a groundless accusation against an officer.

"He was treated with the utmost respect and courtesy during his arrest, transport and booking by all members of this department," Anderson said.

The sheriff played video and audio tapes of much of the booking. One tape made in a car while he was being transported recorded polite conversation and Jackson whistling. At one point Jackson asked for air conditioning and said "thank you" when it was turned on.

"I think Mr. Jackson has seriously hurt his credibility," Anderson concluded.

Jackson has not filed a formal complaint against the department.

Earlier Wednesday, Chief Deputy Fred Olguin, who oversees the jail and was present at Jackson's booking, told NBC's "Today" show that Jackson was handcuffed "around the wrist like any other prisoner."

He said the singer blew a kiss to other inmates as he was checked in, then was kept in a holding room with a toilet, sink and bench for 15 to 20 minutes. He said the holding room is scrubbed once a day.

Jackson, 45, is charged with seven counts of performing lewd or lascivious acts on a child under 14 and two counts of administering an intoxicating agent, reportedly wine. Jackson, who is free on $3 million bail, has said he is innocent.

On "60 Minutes" Jackson displayed what he said was a bruise on his right arm he said he received when jailers mistreated him.

"My shoulder is dislocated, literally. It's hurting very badly. I'm in pain all the time," Jackson said. "It's very swollen. ... It keeps me from sleeping at night."

Olguin said Jackson was booked and released in record time. The process took a little more than an hour.

"I don't run my jail that way, and I take a lot of pride in how the jail is run," he told the Santa Barbara News-Press. "I don't understand where he comes off with that."

In a separate development, Jackson's brother Jermaine acknowledged for the first time that members of the Nation of Islam were providing security for the pop star.

"There is some security that works with Michael from the Nation," he told MSNBC on Tuesday. "We didn't ask them to pray. We asked them to secure him."

Jackson's lawyer and others close to him previously had characterized at least one of the group's leaders as a supporter. Asked about the group, Jackson business adviser Charles Koppelman said recently that the Nation of Islam was not involved in Jackson's "music, finances and assets. I think it's primarily in security."

In the MSNBC interview, Jermaine Jackson did not address whether the Nation of Islam was involved in his brother's business affairs.

[Cheeks]

It says and show's relevant, and evidant proof that Michael Jackson was treated like a Superstar. Though I like his music, he's been acting very stupid. My idea: Put him in a mental asylum for a month or so.

[wcrockets]

It says and show's relevant, and evidant proof that Michael Jackson was treated like a Superstar. Though I like his music, he's been acting very stupid. My idea: Put him in a mental asylum for a month or so.

Lol.. that's funny. Will his ape get congenial visits? I can see a huge write in campaign from animal right's activists pushing for this.

[stateraised2000]

ha ha, damm crockets that was funny, i can see michaels ape coming to the gate with a basket full of....condoms and ky jelly!

[TAADOW]

he wouldnt know the pain rodney king felt let alone what we have all been put thrugh system wise...

[blkjoker]

Hell no Mike was not mishandle did yall hear the tape Mike azz whistling, LOL! There was a imate who said Mike was not misdhandle in any way. What got me was the bruise on his arm, and he said he can barely lift his arms. But right after the interview Mike went shopping and was picking up all kinds of things. LOL!

[Conman]

Hell no Mike was not mishandle did yall hear the tape Mike azz whistling, LOL! There was a imate who said Mike was not misdhandle in any way. What got me was the bruise on his arm, and he said he can barely lift his arms. But right after the interview Mike went shopping and was picking up all kinds of things. LOL!

^^^

lolol

[wcrockets]

Reminds me of those people who go out on disability and they catch them on film pumping weights, reroofing their homes, etc..