MICHAEL JACKSON Singer arrives at court amid heavy security

Some fans chartered buses from Los Angeles to be at the arraignment.
SANTA MARIA, Calif. (AP) -- Michael Jackson arrived in court 40 minutes early today for arraignment on a grand jury indictment that could move the 5-month-old child-molestation case closer to trial.
Jackson, who was scolded by the judge for showing up late to his last hearing, smiled and waved to fans as he entered the courtroom under an umbrella.
Police Chief Danny Macagni said 42 of Santa Maria's 107 police officers were assigned to the courthouse, along with about 50 deputy sheriffs, to handle the throng of fans and journalists. At least 130 members of the press were expected.
Thomas Mesereau Jr., a veteran criminal defense attorney, took over the case last weekend after Jackson decided to remove Mark Geragos and Benjamin Brafman, the two high-profile lawyers who had been directing his defense. The star said he wanted lawyers who could devote full time to his case.
Chastised in January
At his first court appearance Jan. 16, Jackson showed up 20 minutes late after taking time to greet cheering fans. Judge Rodney Melville told him, "You have started out on the wrong foot here. I want to advise you that I will not put up with that. It's an insult to the court."
After that hearing, Jackson had danced on top of an SUV for a crowd of 3,000 fans.
Outside the courthouse today, some fans waved handmade signs toward the throng of television cameras. A banner reading "Michael -- Being here is the least we could do. To all: Through this media circus don't let your ears deceive you" was also draped along the fence.
The courthouse resembled a fortress ready for a siege with chain link fences and metal barricades erected to hold back the crowd. Police officers placed orange traffic cones to stop parking in front of the courthouse.
A Web site for Jackson fans encouraged them to show up and demonstrate support for their idol. Chartered buses were available from Los Angeles, and a hotel in nearby Solvang was giving fans a special rate.
On Thursday night, two to three dozen fans from around the world gathered outside the singer's Neverland Ranch about 30 miles from the courthouse for a candlelight vigil. Some wore black "Free Michael" T-shirts, and one dressed as the singer.
International support
Paul Thomas, a 25-year-old student who arrived in California from London on Wednesday, said he planned to be at the courthouse by 7 a.m. today.
"I didn't come here to gawk at him. I just want to support him," he said. "I think he is a good role model. He has a lot of morals. You can see he's a nice person, always giving to charity."
Thomas said he told his college he was sick for the week and estimated that he spent about $700 on the trip.
Pedro Rivero, a 22-year-old who flew to the area from Madrid, said he had a feeling he needed to be at the arraignment.
"Everything that's happening is so unfair," said Rivero, who said he had been inside Neverland in the past and met Jackson "too many times to count."