Michael Jackson’s case to clear his name of child molestation charges hit a snag Tuesday when the judge said a search at his Neverland Ranch was legal. Judge Rodney Melville said police had probable cause to search his ranch because they believed he may have committed a crime.

Jackson, who did not appear in court after showing up Monday with his family, and his attorneys claimed the search was illegal and asked for evidence found to be barred from the case.

The judge allowed Jackson’s lawyers to object to certain items, but not all the items found at the search as a whole.

On Wednesday, the court proceedings took a break. Thursday, the case is expected to resume, but Jackson is not expected to be in court.

The trial starts January 31 when Jackson will face numerous counts of child molestation and conspiracy charges.






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