SANTA BARBARA, Calif. – Authorities raided the Los Angeles area home of Michael Jackson's (search) personal assistant as part of their investigation into allegations the entertainer molested a boy at his Neverland Ranch, a newspaper reported Thursday.
The person's name was blacked out in court documents released Wednesday, but the Santa Barbara News-Press identified her as Evelyn "Evvy" Tavasci of suburban Sherman Oaks. Tavasci has worked for Jackson, 46, for more than a decade.
Tavasci told the News-Press that a court-imposed gag order prohibited her from discussing the case. Jackson pleaded not guilty in April to child molestation and conspiracy charges. His trial is scheduled for Jan. 31.
The court documents state that a day after the search, defense lawyers requested that Santa Barbara Superior Court Judge Rodney Melville (search) seal a list of all the items seized. Melville approved the request Wednesday.
Jackson attorney Thomas Mesereau said the Sept. 15 search violates attorney-client privilege because items seized relate to the singer's legal representation, including three folders labeled "Mesereau."
Tavasci pays Jackson's personal bills, the entertainer's former business associates told the paper.
The warrant for the search is among nearly 100 that have been issued in the case. At least 20 were approved this month.
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