David Copperfield Under Investigation

By: Shannon Gossage

The FBI reportedly raided Copperfield’s Las Vegas warehouse on Wednesday in connection with "an investigation of possibly sexual misconduct by the illusionist." A source said that the alleged incident did not happen in the United States, but the accuser is an U.S. citizen, which means it, is within the FBI’s jurisdiction. A spokesperson for the FBI said, "The only thing we’re confirming right now is that there was some investigative activity in the Las Vegas area yesterday connected with a Seattle-area case, both of which are pending."

It was reported that a dozen agents from Seattle were involved in the raid and that a computer hard drive, a memory chip from a digital camera and approximately $2 million in cash were taken from Copperfield’s famed warehouse. His lawyer, David Chesnoff, said, "We understand there is an investigation, [we] are in touch with the investigators, and are respecting their confidentiality of the investigation." He added, "If in fact those are allegations, unfortunately false allegations are all too often made against famous individuals. But we are confident the investigation will conclude favorably."

Agents also reportedly stopped at the MGM-Grand on the Vegas Strip, one of the spots where Copperfield, 51, performs regularly. He is set to appear at the Hollywood Theater for a two-week gig starting November 15. The FBI confirmed that the MGM-Grand was not under investigation, but no other details were released. Copperfield reportedly calls his warehouse the International Museum and Library of the Conjuring Arts. He stores many things at the warehouse including all of his Houdini memorabilia, his collection of vintage cars, magic books, posters, playbills, and an old electric chair.