Michael Jackson was formally charged with child molestation in Santa Maria, California, on Thursday afternoon.

Jackson was charged with seven counts of child molestation and two counts of administering an intoxicating substance to a child for the purpose of committing a crime.

The instances allegedly took place between February 7 and March 10.

If convicted, Jackson faces eight years for the first count and two years for each subsequent count, for a maximum of 24 years.

Jackson will be required to attend an arraignment on January 16, delayed from January 9.






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