Originally published October 21, 2007 at 12:00 AM | Page modified October 21, 2007 at 2:03 AM
Copperfield's millions not taken, FBI says
The FBI is denying reports that it took millions in cash during a search last week of a Las Vegas warehouse belonging to illusionist David...
Seattle Times staff reporter
The FBI is denying reports that it took millions in cash during a search last week of a Las Vegas warehouse belonging to illusionist David Copperfield.
A Las Vegas television station reported that agents seized $2 million in cash from a safe in Copperfield's warehouse. That report was picked up by other media nationally, including The Seattle Times.
Federal law-enforcement sources, speaking on condition of anonymity, have said that Copperfield, 51, is under investigation of possible sexual misconduct with a Seattle woman while in the Bahamas.
Officially, the FBI has been tight-lipped about the investigation and has not said Copperfield is the target, although high-ranking officials have confirmed that fact anonymously.
National entertainment media and others have repeated the story about the seizure of money, and FBI officials are now concerned the publicity could damage their investigation and is unfair to Copperfield, who has not been charged with a crime.
"No currency was seized during our investigating activity in Las Vegas," said Seattle FBI Special Agent Robbie Burroughs. "Media reports to the contrary are false."
Burroughs said the bureau "will not discuss the case further."
Federal law-enforcement sources said it could be weeks, or even months, before they conclude their investigation.
A law-enforcement source has said it involves a Seattle woman who said she was assaulted by Copperfield while in the Bahamas. The source declined to be named or provide other details because of the sensitive nature of the investigation. The source said the issue was whether or not the woman consented to sex.
David Chesnoff, attorney for David Copperfield, on Saturday said it was "important these allegations be put into perspective."
"An unidentified woman has made serious allegations against David Copperfield," Chesnoff said. "Although authorities have not revealed her identity to us, we know these allegations are false because David Copperfield has never forced himself on anyone."
Mike Carter: 206-464-3706 or mcarter@seattletimes.com
Copyright © 2007 The Seattle Times Company
UPDATE - 11:25 AM
Bombs, guns found at home of suspect in Officer Brenton's slaying
How an underdog named Mike McGinn took City Hall
Danny Westneat: Lee the Horse Logger found slow wagon shrank tumor
Parents want answers on new Seattle school boundaries
3 Cascade Mountain passes close due to snow; more rain, wind expected Sunday

Mourners gather at KeyArena for slain officer's memorial
Mourners gathered at KeyArena for the memorial service of Seattle police Officer Timothy Brenton on November 6, 2009.
nwjobs

Post a comment

Michelle Goodman blogs about work/life balance.
How to tell your office you're gravely ill
Post a comment
nwautos

Choosing a new sedan? Weigh the impact of your choice on your wallet and on the planet.
Post a comment
- Flags were key link to cop slaying, bombings
- Suspect shot as city mourns slain officer
- Briefs | Soccer: New Mexico suspends hair-pulling player Elizabeth Lambert
- Bombs, guns found at home of suspect in Officer Brenton's slaying
- Huskies suffer another heartbreaking loss to UCLA
- McGinn pulling away as late ballots come in
- Using anti-shooter tactics, civilian Army police officer brought down gunman
- How an underdog named Mike McGinn took City Hall
- 3 Cascade Mountain passes close due to snow; more rain, wind expected Sunday
- Heavy snow in Cascades shuts down roads
- UCLA game thread
940 - Weapons, bomb-making materials found in suspect's apartment
334 - Troubling portrait emerges of Fort Hood suspect
293 - U.S. House passes health plan
217 - Decision day for health care in the House
201 - Bombs, guns found at home of suspect in Officer Brenton's slaying
141 - Huskies suffer another heartbreaking loss to UCLA
101 - Referendum 71 show's Washington's strategy for marriage equality is working
95 - Grading the game
86 - How an underdog named Mike McGinn took City Hall
55
- Suspect shot as city mourns slain officer
- Flags were key link to cop slaying, bombings
- 10 ways to take control of your health
- Danny Westneat | Lee the Horse Logger found slow wagon shrank tumor
- Guest columnist | Cut the South Carolina jokes, Seattle. Get ready to compete
- 10 investing missteps to avoid
- Bombs, guns found at home of suspect in Officer Brenton's slaying
- Consortium on verge of owning Eastside railway land
- McGinn pulling away as late ballots come in
- The birth of 'Grunge,' in photos by Michael Lavine





