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Man Forced to do Michael Jackson's Moonwalk at Gunpoint

By Edward Tan, JD on May 03, 2012 | Last updated on March 21, 2019

Who's bad? Apparently John Ernest Cross. He forced another man to "moonwalk" at gunpoint, the Bonner County Daily Bee reports.

Idaho sheriff's deputies arrived at Cross' home after receiving a report that the 30-year-old was on drugs. Cross was allegedly holding a rifle at a man while demanding him to do Michael Jackson's iconic dance move.

So what does one get for forcing someone to pay tribute to Jacko at gunpoint?

A pretty freaking serious felony charge, that's what. Cross was arrested for aggravated assault. His bail is currently set at $20,000.

Most states define aggravated assault as either assault with a deadly weapon or assaulting an officer. Idaho is no different. But when someone is accused of the former, for a conviction to stick, it has to be shown a deadly weapon was actually used.

Cross claims he was only holding a pellet gun at the victim. However, deputies accuse him of using an AR-15 semiautomatic rifle.

Quite the difference, but it's also one that might just reduce Cross' third degree felony charge to a misdemeanor. That'd be great news for him.

Under Idaho law, a misdemeanor conviction could net Cross a year imprisonment at the most. On the other hand, a felony conviction could land him up to 5 years.

It's also worth noting under Idaho law and the federal National Firearms Act, it's illegal to possess an unregistered gun. And under the Brady Act, ex-felons imprisoned for more than a year can't have one either.

While the investigation is still ongoing, one thing is for sure: Moonwalking at gunpoint ruins the fun of moonwalking.

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