New York: In a development that could have major implications on his singing career, the authorities in California have slammed 45-year-old "King of Pop" Michael Jackson with "multiple counts" of child molestation, issued arrest warrants, asked him to surrender to the Santa Barbara Sheriff and hand over his passport.

The singer, who attained superstardom in 1980s with his album "Thriller," was said to be in Las Vegas where he is recording a video for his latest album "Number Ones."

A television network quoted a friend of his as saying that Jackson, who has been involved in such controversies earlier too, would surrender within a day. He is said to be "making arrangements in consultations with his attorneys". The bail is set for three million dollars.

Jackson had faced similar charges about a decade ago but the case was settled outside court and reportedly involved payment of millions of dollars.

However, authorities say this time, things are different as the family of the child allegedly molested is not after money but wants justice to be done. The authorities have also sought help from people who have any knowledge of this or other such cases.

Meanwhile, Jackson's Spokesman Stuart Backerman described the allegations as "outrageous" and said the singer would prove them to be wrong.

"The outrageous allegations against Michael Jackson are false. Michael would never harm a child in any way. These scurrilous and totally unfounded allegations will be proven false in a courtroom," he said.

The authorities did not release any details of the alleged victims but the child was said to be 12 or 13 years old. It was also not clear whether the child is male or female. No details about the incident were released.

The charges follow disclosure made by the child to a therapist who reported them to the authorities as is required under the law.

Each of the sex molestation charges is punishable by three to eight years' imprisonment.

"Jackson has been given the opportunity to surrender himself to the Santa Barbara Sheriff's Department within a specified period of time," Sheriff Jim Anderson told a crowded press conference which was telecast live across the nation.

"Get over here and get checked in", District Attorney Thomas W Sneddon Jr. advised Jackson.

The accusation involved lewd or lascivious acts with a child under 14.

Stacy Brown, identified as a Jackson family friend, told MSNBC television network that the singer would turn himself in sometime today even as dozens of camera crews were camping at the airport and closely watching every passenger who got off the arriving aeroplanes.

"As you can imagine this has to be one of the most horrible days of his life", Brown said but asserted that Jackson was in "really, really good spirits, ready to tackle it and confront it and prove his innocence."

PTI