FBI Abandoned Copperfield Investigation Due to Intimidation by Wealth and Power
According to documents released as part of the Jeffrey Epstein files, the FBI sought to investigate whether close associates Jeffrey Epstein and David Copperfield referred underage women to each other. However, agents claimed that "weak" bureau leadership was intimidated by Copperfield's substantial financial resources, ultimately leading to the probe being called off.
Close Ties Between Magician and Convicted Pedophile
A comprehensive Daily Mail examination of Department of Justice files reveals the seriousness of the investigation into Copperfield and his proximity to the convicted sex offender. Their relationship was so intimate that FBI documents referred to the illusionist as Epstein's favorite "cohort." The documents indicate Copperfield maintained a "very close relationship" with Epstein and allegedly trained his staff to select young women from his show audiences to bring backstage.
Copperfield reportedly kept detailed notebooks containing photographs and information about women he had sexual encounters with, including whether intercourse occurred. Prosecutors identified numerous questionable activities that warranted further investigation into whether both men shared a predilection for minors and engaged in victim referral practices.
Investigation Stalled by Institutional Reluctance
The FBI raided Copperfield's Las Vegas warehouse in 2007 during a two-year inquiry into sexual assault allegations. Despite substantial evidence, including message pads from Epstein's Palm Beach mansion containing references to "Magic David" and telephone lists connecting the two men, the investigation encountered significant institutional resistance.
An August 2008 email between law enforcement officials revealed that "some of the higher ups are very very uncomfortable" with pursuing Copperfield. Another communication from 2009 astonishingly stated: "Our case was eventually closed because our USAO (US Attorney's Office) was weak and intimidated by the financial resources of Copperfield."
Evidence of Ticket Distribution to Epstein's Victims
The Epstein files contain multiple instances of young women receiving Copperfield show tickets as gifts from Epstein. In one documented case, a woman identified as Jane Doe #10 stated that Epstein discovered she wasn't 18 as originally claimed and subsequently gave her four tickets to a David Copperfield performance for her 18th birthday.
FBI agents subpoenaed Live Nation Entertainment for programs and customer records from Copperfield's shows between 2004 and 2005, apparently because Epstein regularly distributed tickets to his victims. An October 2007 email noted that "tickets with 'backstage passes' were a favorite birthday gift for Epstein to give the girls."
Parallel Investigations and Similar Outcomes
The Copperfield investigation unfolded concurrently with the Epstein probe from 2006 to 2008, ending similarly without federal charges. The magician's case stemmed from allegations by Lacey Carroll, who claimed Copperfield raped her after a performance in Kennewick, Washington. No charges were filed, and Carroll was later arrested and charged with obstructing a police officer in a separate matter.
Florida lawyer Brad Edwards, representing over 200 Epstein victims, stated in a 2010 declaration that he considered seeking a deposition from Copperfield because the magician might possess relevant information about Epstein's activities. Edwards noted that one of Epstein's sexual assault victims alleged Copperfield had touched her inappropriately while at Epstein's residence.
Recent Developments and Continued Scrutiny
Copperfield recently announced he is ending his long-running residency at the MGM Grand, with his final performance scheduled for April 30. Although no reason was provided, his name appears at least 438 times in the released DOJ documents from the Epstein files.
The illusionist has faced multiple sexual misconduct allegations over the years, including a 2024 Guardian report featuring accounts from 16 women, some underage at the time of alleged incidents. Copperfield has consistently denied all allegations through his legal representatives, stating he "never, ever acted inappropriately with anyone, let alone anyone underage."
Despite the FBI's 2009 decision to close the investigation without charges, the newly released documents raise significant questions about how institutional reluctance and intimidation by wealth may have prevented a thorough examination of serious allegations against a high-profile entertainer with documented connections to a convicted sex trafficker.
