After Judge Rodney Melville ruled last Monday that Prosecutors could admit evidence and testimony of "prior bad acts" on the part of Michael Jackson, an Accuser who reached a financial settlement over a decade ago took the stand yesterday. Jason Francia is a now 24-year-old man who's Mother reached a financial settlement in 1994 (shortly after the Jordan Chandler allegations reached a settlement) after claims that Michael molested him in 1990.
The witness testified about three alleged incident where he claims Michael molested him during "tickling games". Lead Defence attorney Tom Mesereau made sure that during his short time of cross-examination that a point was made about financial motive for the allegations. Mesereau pointed out that as well as the '94 financial settlement, Francia's Mother received $20,000 for appearing on the TV show Hard Copy - reporter Diane Dimond's former home.
The witness said he never discussed the incidents until investigators asked him questions regarding the Chandler allegations in 1993. "They just came one day and surprised you?" Mesereau replied, creating laughter amongst Michael Jackson's fans that were in the courtroom, they were then admonished by the Judge.
Before Francia took the stand, Jesus Salas (former Neverland House Manager) finished his testimony. Although he told Prosecutors it was his belief that the Arvizo were being held captive, he later went onto blatantly contradict himself during cross-examination by saying that "at no time was (the Mother) held at Neverland Ranch against her will.''
Francia's cross-examination is expected to resume today with Mesereau concentrating on exposing him as what he called a "problematic" witness.
Source: AP