Prosecutor Claims Michael Jackson Was a Pedophile Who Abused Children 'Almost With Impunity'

A former California prosecutor who tried Jackson for child molestation remains convinced the King of Pop was a pedophile.

Published on Feb. 7, 2026

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A former senior deputy district attorney for Santa Barbara County, Ron Zonen, who was a lead prosecutor in the 2005 trial of Michael Jackson for child molestation, claims the pop star "was a pedophile who could abuse children almost with impunity." Zonen believes Jackson's fame and appeal allowed him to manipulate the jury and avoid punishment, despite evidence like Jackson's own admissions of sleeping with children. The upcoming TV series "The Trial" will feature Zonen's powerful comments on Jackson's alleged crimes.

Why it matters

This case highlights the ongoing debate around Michael Jackson's legacy and the allegations of child sexual abuse that have followed him for decades. Zonen's claims, coming from a prosecutor who directly handled the case, add further fuel to the controversy and raise questions about whether Jackson's celebrity status shielded him from accountability.

The details

In the 2005 trial, Jackson was cleared of 14 charges connected to the abuse of a child cancer survivor named Gavin Arvizo. However, Zonen believes Jackson had abused children before 2003, even if those specific incidents were not included in the charges. Zonen claims that if Jackson's former child companions Wade Robson and James Safechuck had spoken up about their alleged abuse earlier, the outcome may have been different. While Zonen has no ill feelings towards Robson and Safechuck for the delayed disclosures, he remains convinced that Jackson's fame and charm allowed him to manipulate the jury and avoid punishment.

  • In the 2005 trial, Jackson was cleared of 14 charges connected to the abuse of Gavin Arvizo.
  • Robson and Safechuck made global headlines in 2019 when they detailed long-term sexual abuse by Jackson in the documentary "Leaving Neverland".

The players

Ron Zonen

A former senior deputy district attorney for Santa Barbara County who was a lead prosecutor in the 2005 trial of Michael Jackson for child molestation.

Gavin Arvizo

A child cancer survivor who was the alleged victim in the 2005 child molestation trial against Michael Jackson.

Wade Robson

A former child companion of Michael Jackson who later alleged he was sexually abused by the pop star.

James Safechuck

Another former child companion of Michael Jackson who later alleged he was sexually abused by the pop star.

Michael Jackson

The late pop superstar who was tried and acquitted of child molestation charges in 2005, but has continued to face allegations of pedophilia throughout his career.

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What they’re saying

“From the prosecution standpoint, we knew we were dealing with a pedophile and he was a pedophile who could abuse children almost with impunity.”

— Ron Zonen, Former Senior Deputy District Attorney, Santa Barbara County (The Trial)

“I truly felt that Michael Jackson was a child molester. I felt that then, and I haven't changed my mind now. I still feel that way, but I had to give Michael Jackson the benefit of the doubt.”

— Raymond Hultman, Juror in the 2005 Michael Jackson trial (The Trial)

What’s next

The upcoming TV series "The Trial" will feature more of Zonen's comments on the Michael Jackson case when it airs on the UK's Channel 4 on February 11 and 12.

The takeaway

This case highlights the ongoing debate around Michael Jackson's legacy and the allegations of child sexual abuse that have followed him for decades. Zonen's claims, coming from a prosecutor who directly handled the case, add further complexity to the controversy and raise questions about whether Jackson's celebrity status shielded him from accountability.