In Santa Barbara, Calif., District Atty. Thomas Sneddon said in a statement that his office has been aware of the DCFS investigation and that it did not affect his decision to pursue charges.
“The report and its contents, along with the totality of the investigation and the timing under which the statements were given, were provided to the judge at the time the search and arrest warrants were issued,” Sneddon and Sheriff Jim Anderson said in a joint statement.
“Given what we know, we do not consider the DCFS statement a significant factor,” they said.
The strength of Sneddon’s case recently has been called into question; he has twice delayed officially charging Jackson. He also has apologized for his flippant behavior at a news conference announcing the arrest warrant and has set up a tip line to field calls from people with similar complaints about Jackson.
Jackson was booked Nov. 20 in Santa Barbara on suspicion of child molestation. He has denied the allegations and was released on $3 million bail. Authorities said they expect to file formal charges next week.
