Manson pleads no contests to charges

CLARKSTON, Mich. -- Shock rocker Marilyn Manson, who was charged with sexual misconduct for allegedly gyrating against a security guard at a concert, pleaded no contest Wednesday to being a disorderly person and assault and battery. \nClarkston District Judge Gerald McNally ordered Manson, whose name is Brian Warner, to pay fines and costs totaling $4,000. A no contest plea is not an admission of guilt. \nAfterward, Manson said the ruling was fair, adding, "It's a victory for art." \nSecurity guard Joshua Keasler was working on the stage during Manson's July 30, 2001 performance at the DTE Energy Music Theatre when Manson allegedly rubbed his genitals against his neck. \nManson, known for his ghastly, cadaverous look and macabre lyrics, sat silently during Wednesday's 15-minute hearing. He wore a black suit, without his trademark makeup or piercings.\nAssistant Oakland County Prosecutor Ken Frazee III said, "I think further punishment is warranted, given the conduct of the defendant and to act as a deterrent."\nDefense attorney Walter Piszczatowski said the sentence was appropriate. \n"We are very satisfied with the results," he said. \nKeasler also has filed a federal lawsuit against the 33-year-old rocker, accusing him of sexual assault and intentional infliction of emotional distress. \nAfter the hearing, Manson was served with papers notifying him of a civil suit filed in New York state court by a security guard accusing him of similar behavior at an Aug. 9, 2001 concert on Long Island. \nSimilar allegations also are contained in a civil suit filed against Manson by a security guard following an Oct. 27, 2000 concert in Minneapolis. \n"He's going to vigorously defend against all the civil actions that have been filed," Piszczatowski said. \nManson, who lives in California, is known for his outrageous and controversial stage performances, which have drawn protests in some cities. \nThough his albums have sold millions, his record sales have dropped sharply over the last few years.