Jackson's cousin testifies at trial

SANTA MARIA, Calif. -- A 12-year-old cousin of Michael Jackson testified yesterday that he saw the pop star's young accuser steal wine and money and secretly watch pornography on television while masturbating.

Testifying in the singer's child molestation trial, Rijo Jackson said the accuser's brother --another key prosecution witness -- also took part in the misbehavior during visits to Jackson's Neverland ranch.

Rijo Jackson said that in 2003 he was with the boys in a guest unit when the brothers turned the television to a channel showing naked women, began masturbating, and suggested he do the same.

The witness said he declined and instead went to Michael Jackson's room and told him what the boys were watching on television.

Under cross-examination by prosecutor Ron Zonen, the youth said he was scared to tell Michael Jackson about the masturbation.

He also said he spent the night in bed with Jackson.

''Did you do that often?" asked Zonen.

''Yes," said Rijo.

Jackson, 46, is accused of molesting a 13-year-old boy in February or March 2003 and plying the boy with wine. He is also charged with conspiring to hold the boy's family captive to get them to appear in a video to rebut the damaging documentary, ''Living With Michael Jackson."

The youngster appeared in the program with Jackson, who said he let children sleep in his bed but it was nonsexual.

The defense elicited the testimony in an apparent effort to show that the accuser engaged in sexual activity and drank alcohol on his own and without Jackson's involvement.

Judge Rodney S. Melville ruled in April that the defense could explore whether the brothers were seen masturbating at Neverland without Jackson present.