Neverland Valley ranch property manager Joe Marcus continued his testimony from Monday in what was only a half day in court yesterday, and refuted claims made by Prosecutors that the Arvizo family were held against their will.
Marcus told jurors how it was he who ordered that the Arvizo boys were not allowed to leave the ranch, the reason being they were stealing Neverland vehicles and he didn't want them to go out on the public roads. He also said that he allowed an employee to drive the family home, and that they never "escaped" as the Prosecution claim.
The witness also said the family never objected to the trip to Brazil. Janet Arvizo claimed during her testimony the family were being forced to travel to South America by Michael's employees. Marcus stated the only question the family ever asked was to find out where to get passport photos.
During cross-examination the witness admitted he lied during the November 18th 2003 search on Neverland when he was interviewed by District Attorney Tom Sneddon. Stating he was "overwhelmed" Marcus admitted that he lied when denying any knowlegde of children staying in Michael's bedroom, but he pointed the finger at the DA, "In the beginning (of that interview) I also asked for an attorney to be present and was denied that by Mr. Tom Sneddon," he said.
According to reports Macauley Culkin is expected to testify today refuting Prosecution claims he was inappropriately touched as a child by Michael. Before he does however, Marcus is expected to finish his testimony and Michael's former bodyguard James Van Norman is also expected to take the stand at some point.