Inside Los Angeles

Jackson's Secret Deal with His Accuser

Sources in the MICHAEL JACKSON camp say they want to make "this case go away" and confirm that the civil suit against the singer for alleged child abuse may be settled out of court as early as Jan. 25. Under the terms of the agreement, Jackson will maintain his innocence and the boy will agree not to talk. Under California law a juvenile cannot be compelled to testify, so he will be out of the reach of prosecutors. Reports of a $30 million deal are "preposterous" say sources; some speculate the boy will get $5 million in cash and a trust fund.