Sheriff - Officers never manhandled singer

Friday, January 2, 2004

SANTA BARBARA, Calif. -- The Santa Barbara County Sheriff's Department has denied manhandling Michael Jackson during his arrest and asked prosecutors to investigate the pop star's complaint, threatening to charge Jackson if the accusation is deemed false. Attorney General Bill Lockyer said Wednesday he would investigate the matter, the same day Sheriff Jim Anderson asked for a probe and defended his deputies' actions during Jackson's Nov. 20 arrest. Anderson also released audio and videotapes indicating Jackson was treated respectfully by deputies. One video showed Jackson shaking hands with the officers who met him at Santa Barbara Airport on Nov. 20.

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