Rumors R' Us

I hope that by now everyone has seen Joe Jackson, father of Michael Jackson, plug his new record company and partner during interviews concerning Michael’s death.  Now even more has come to light…

We’ve learned Joe Jackson’s business partner for his new record label is a convicted felon.

Marshall Thompson, who Joe famously introduced during a news conference a few days after MJ’s death, served 366 days in federal prison back in 2001 after pleading guilty to two counts of conspiracy to commit extortion in Illinois.

Thompson — a retired cop — conspired with active duty officers to sell police badges to various businessmen for $1,000 to $2,500 a pop.

According to federal docs, the businessmen bought the badges so they could get the perks of being a cop — carrying a concealed weapon, parking in restricted areas and “receiving discounts for goods and services” … we’re guessing that includes donuts.

Before Thompson became a felon, he was a member of the Chi-Lites — a band famous for “Have You Seen Her” and “Oh Girl” back in the ’70s.