Court indicts Michael Jackson, case will go to trial

Pop star Michael Jackson was formally indicted by a court in Santa Maria, California, Friday on multiple charges of child abuse, report agencies.

The charges include lewd acts with a minor, an attempted lewd act on a child, administering an intoxicant and conspiracy. An indictment means the court has found sufficient reason for the case to be taken to trial.

The star, who was reprimanded by the judge for showing up late for his last hearing, arrived 45 minutes early Friday and pleaded not guilty to all 10 charges.

Security was tight, and fans and media waiting for the singer were kept at bay by a wire mesh fence.

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Police had raided Jackson's Neverland ranch last November to investigate allegations made by a 12-year-old boy. In December, he was charged with seven counts of 'lewd and lascivious acts' and 'administering an intoxicating substance' to a minor.

In January, Jackson, 45, appeared before the same court to deny the charges, and danced for his fans on the roof of a car parked outside before being led away by his lawyers.