Amid a flurry of media coverage, Michael Jackson [ tickets ] surrendered to the Santa Barbara Sheriff's department on Tuesday afternoon (11/20), a day after a warrant for his arrest was issued on multiple counts of child molestation.

As television helicopters looked on, Jackson arrived by private jet at Santa Barbara Airport around noon Pacific Time. There--in a prearranged surrender--he was taken into custody and driven to the Sheriff's department. He arrived there in handcuffs, and he was wearing make-up in his mug shot.

According to the Sheriff's department, Jackson was booked on the child molestation charges and released a short time later, after posting $3 million bail. From there, news cameras caught him flashing a V sign and blowing a kiss as he left the building with his attorney. Jackson departed in a black SUV, escorted by three Sheriff's officials on motorcycles.

Jackson is scheduled to be arraigned on Jan. 9 in Santa Barbara Superior Court. If convicted, he could serve three to eight years in prison for each count.

Mark Geragos, Jackson's lawyer, said in a statement to reporters that Jackson planned "to confront these charges head-on. He is greatly outraged by the bringing of these charges. He considers this to be a big lie."

He added, "Michael has given me the authority to say, on his behalf, that these charges are categorically untrue."

For the second straight day, Jackson spokesperson Stuart Backerman issued a statement proclaiming Jackson's innocence.

"The big lie against Michael Jackson is anchored in the most vicious allegation imaginable, one that resonates across every culture: the spectacle of harming a child," Backerman said. "That spectacle invites outrage, and it should. But this spectacle is rooted in a lie.

"Michael said, 'Lies run sprints, but the truth runs marathons. The truth will win this marathon in court.'

"Michael is going to defend himself with the force of his spirit, as would anyone falsely accused of something so monstrous."

Santa Barbara authorities served a search warrant on Jackson's Neverland Ranch and two other Southern California locations on Tuesday (11/18), and an arrest warrant was issued on Wednesday (11/19). Jackson reportedly was in Las Vegas when the police actions took place.

In a Wednesday press conference, Sheriff Jim Anderson and District Attorney Thomas W. Sneddon Jr. said the multiple molestation counts involved only one child. However, they repeatedly refused to release further details about the alleged crimes, and would not say how many counts Jackson faces.

Sneddon said that the alleged victim--whom several news organizations have identified as a 12- or 13-year-old boy--is cooperating with the investigation. An affidavit with details of the case will be sealed for 45 days, Sneddon said.

Jackson was investigated for child molestation in 1993, but no charges were ever filed. The alleged victim in that case refused to testify, and Jackson--who maintained his innocence--reportedly paid millions to settle the case.

Against this backdrop, Epic Records released the new Jackson best-of set "Number Ones" on Tuesday. It compiles 15 of his top hits from over the last 30 years, and also includes one new song, the R. Kelly-penned "One More Chance."

CBS-TV announced on Wednesday that it has canceled its planned Nov. 26 broadcast of a new Michael Jackson special titled "Michael Jackson Number Ones."