Michael Jackson's doctor pleads not guilty to manslaughter charge

2/8/2010
ASSOCIATED PRESS
Dr. Conrad Murray
Dr. Conrad Murray

LOS ANGELES — Michael Jackson's doctor has been taken into custody and is being held on $75,000 bail after pleading not guilty to causing the pop star's death.

Dr. Conrad Murray, a Houston cardiologist who was with Jackson when he died June 25, entered his plea Monday in Los Angeles Superior Court, just a couple of hours after he was charged.

Superior Court Judge Keith L. Schwartz set Murray's bail at $75,000, three times more than what most people charged with involuntary manslaughter face. Prosecutors had been seeking $300,000 bail for Murray, who was taken into custody by sheriff's deputies but not handcuffed in public.

The judge told Murray when he posts bail he may travel throughout the United States but may not leave the country. He must also surrender his passport.