Neverland employees feared for safety over child sex claims: witness

0 Comments | AFP, May, 2005

SANTA MARIA, United States (AFP) — A policeman told Michael Jackson's child sex trial that two former Neverland Ranch employees failed to report claims the star was seen performing oral sex on a young boy because they feared for their safety.

Detective Russell Birchim told jurors he was contacted in 1994 by two former Neverland security guards who suggested they might have information about Jackson "kissing, fondling and sucking on the penis of a young boy."

But the men -- who both earlier testified at Jackson's trial -- chose not to come forward officially at the time as they could not be guaranteed access to a US government witness protection program, the detective said.

"They expressed concern for their own safety and that of their families," Bircham said...