Jackson’s Ranch Searched Again

Santa Barbara County sheriff’s investigators searched Michael Jackson’s ranch again Saturday in a brief follow-up to an extended search a day earlier.

The searches came about a year after the search that signaled the start of the child molestation case against the singer and just weeks before the scheduled Jan. 31 start of his trial.

The latest search lasted less than two hours and was “a continuation of the [search] warrant service from yesterday,” sheriff’s Sgt. Chris Pappas said late Saturday. He declined further comment.

Authorities would not say why they have returned to the country estate, which they last raided Nov. 18, 2003, two days before Jackson was booked on molestation charges.

The Friday search was conducted “as part of an ongoing criminal investigation,” Pappas said in a statement.

Jackson attorney Thomas Mesereau Jr. had refused comment on Friday’s search. District attorney’s spokeswoman Susan Tellem would say only that the warrant was authorized by the court.

Those on both sides of the case are barred from commenting by a court gag order.

Court observers said it was unusual to have a new search so late in the proceedings.

Jackson, 46, has pleaded not guilty to child molestation, conspiracy and administering an intoxicating agent, alcohol, to the alleged victim.