Parts of Jackson Files Public

Portions of the warrants that allowed Santa Barbara County sheriff’s deputies to search Michael Jackson’s Neverland ranch in November will be made public, a judge ruled Friday.

But although the public may glimpse the warrants and at least part of a listing of items seized in the search, an 82-page affidavit supporting the prosecution’s request for the warrants will remain sealed, Santa Barbara Superior Court Judge Rodney S. Melville decided.

Melville’s ruling came in response to efforts by media organizations to obtain documents related to the child-molestation case against the entertainer.

In his finding, Melville cast some light on the material that would remain secret.

Accompanied by two tape recordings, the affidavit contains “reports of the statements of a minor about events of a sexual nature” and statements from his family. Some of the statements were made in counseling sessions, Melville noted.

In addition, the affidavit “quotes from earlier investigations” of charges made by a boy with whom Jackson settled a civil suit 10 years ago, Melville wrote. The public’s right to examine the November affidavit was secondary to the boy’s right to privacy, Melville ruled.

The search warrants and a list of some of the seized items will be made available after identifying references have been removed, Melville ruled. He gave no date for their release.

In other decisions released Friday, Melville rejected arguments by media organizations and the defense to drop a gag order on attorneys in the case.

He also turned down “safe harbor” proposals that would allow attorneys to stem rumors. But he invited both sides to redo their proposals for discussion at a Feb. 13 hearing.