Jackson gives DNA sample to authorities
LOS ANGELES (AP) – Michael Jackson voluntarily gave a DNA sample to authorities, returning to his Neverland Ranch estate a day after he left during a search by sheriff’s deputies, a source close to the case said Sunday. When Santa Barbara County sheriff’s deputies arrived with search warrants Friday, his lawyer instructed him to leave and take his children with him, the source told The Associated Press.
Jackson’s attorney, Thomas Mesereau, flew by helicopter from Los Angeles to Jackson’s ranch in Los Olivos, 100 miles northwest, when he heard the search warrant had been served, said the source, who spoke on condition of anonymity.
On Saturday, when the deputies returned, they asked for a DNA sample and Jackson returned by car to the estate and supplied the sample voluntarily, the source said.
Authorities had never before asked for a DNA sample, the source said.
A cotton swab was used to collect the sample from Jackson’s mouth.
It wasn’t immediately clear how authorities planned to use the DNA in Jackson’s child molestation case.