Sheriff’s officials said several wireless microphones discovered outside their headquarters could be the latest of several attempts by journalists to surreptitiously get information on the Michael Jackson molestation case.
The devices were found in a brushy area where Sheriff’s Department employees frequently take breaks and where reporters are not normally allowed. Officials did not say when they discovered the microphones.
“It is being interpreted by the department as an attempt by somebody within the media to garner information that otherwise would not be available,” Sgt. Chris Pappas of the Santa Barbara County Sheriff’s Department said Saturday.
Hundreds of reporters and photographers converged on the Sheriff’s Department on Nov. 20, when Jackson was booked on suspicion of sexually molesting a child.
The entertainer, who is free on bail, has maintained his innocence. Authorities say he probably won’t be charged for two weeks.
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Compiled from RedEye news services and edited by Patrick Olsen (polsen@tribune.com) and Drew Sottardi (dsottardi@tribune.com)
