Jackson issued arrest warrant

Authorities said today an arrest warrant had been issued for Michael Jackson in a child molestation case. 8216;8216;There is an arrest warrant for Michael Jackson,8217;8217; said senior deputy Tim Gracey of the Santa Barbara County Sheriff8217;s department. Gracey said Jackson was in Las Vegas and authorities were negotiating with Jackson8217;s lawyer for his surrender.

Gracey said the warrant was for a violation of Section 288 of the California Penal Code 8212; which prohibits lewd or lascivious acts with a child under age 14. Word of the warrant came a day after authorities raided Jackson8217;s Neverland Ranch.

As many as 70 law enforcement officials served a search warrant at the Ranch and hunted for evidence through the night as part of an ongoing criminal investigation.