LOS ANGELES — Michael Jackson's doctor halted CPR on the dying pop star and delayed calling paramedics so he could collect drug vials at the scene, according to documents obtained by The Associated Press that shed new light on the singer's chaotic final moments.

The explosive allegation that Dr. Conrad Murray may have tried to hide evidence is likely to be a focus as prosecutors move ahead with their involuntary manslaughter case against him.

The account was given to investigators by Alberto Alvarez, Jackson's logistics director, who was at the stricken star's side as he was dying on June 25.

Murray's lawyer rejected the notion his client tried to hide drugs. He also noted Alvarez was interviewed twice by police and gave different accounts of what happened in Jackson's bedroom.

AFFLECK STARTS CONGO AID FOUNDATION

NAIROBI, Kenya — Ben Affleck launched a new initiative yesterday to raise money and awareness over atrocities committed against women and children during years of conflict in eastern Congo, Affleck said.

The American actor and director spent five days in the country last week, where he met with former child sex slaves and prisoners convicted of rape in the hope of gaining a better understanding of Congo's troubles.

The new foundation — the Eastern Congo Initiative — will support community-based Congolese groups, Affleck said.

SRI LANKANS PROTEST R&B CONCERT

COLOMBO, Sri Lanka — Protesters outraged at an upcoming concert by R&B singer Akon hurled stones at a Sri Lankan private broadcaster's headquarters yesterday, injuring four workers and damaging the building.

A police spokesman said several protesters against the concert were taken into custody after throwing rocks at the headquarters of the Majaraja Organization, which is sponsoring the April event.

Some Sri Lankans accuse Akon of desecrating an image of Buddha in a music video. The video "Sexy Chick" features scantily clad women dancing at a pool party with a Buddha statue visible in the background.

DAD OF ALLEGED CELEB THIEF A SUSPECT, TOO

LOS ANGELES — Police suspect the alleged mastermind behind a rash of celebrity burglaries may have hidden a large amount of the stolen property with her father's help, court records show.

A search warrant affidavit filed earlier this year in Los Angeles seeks phone and Internet records that police said might help recover items stolen from numerous celebrities. An affidavit filed in support of the warrant states police believe Rachel J. Lee, who has been charged with some of the break-ins, and her father hid the items before their Las Vegas home was searched.

Authorities have identified Lee as the suspected mastermind of a string of burglaries at the homes of several stars, including Orlando Bloom, Lindsay Lohan, Paris Hilton and Megan Fox.