FBI Documents Reveal Extensive Investigation Into Copperfield-Epstein Connection
Newly released Department of Justice files have unveiled detailed FBI investigations into the relationship between world-renowned illusionist David Copperfield and convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein. The documents, released as part of the latest tranche of Epstein-related materials, reveal law enforcement concerns about potential coordination between the two men regarding possible victims.
2007 FBI Memo Raises Serious Concerns
According to a 2007 FBI memo from Seattle agents, investigators identified what they described as "a clear connection" between Copperfield and Epstein that warranted further examination. The memo explicitly stated that additional investigation was necessary "to determine if they both shared a predilection for minors" and whether they "engaged in referring possible victims to each other."
The FBI's investigation into Copperfield began in 2007 following allegations by Seattle woman Lacey Carroll, who claimed the magician had raped and sexually assaulted her on his private Bahamian island, Musha Cay. Carroll alleged Copperfield lured her there with promises of modeling and promotional work. The investigation concluded around January 2010 without charges being filed against Copperfield.
Business List and Witness Connections
The released documents reveal particularly troubling details about what investigators discovered during their probe. FBI agents noted they had identified "a number of potential witnesses" in Miami who may have had relationships with or worked for Copperfield. Two of these women were also named as potential witnesses in the Epstein investigation.
Agents expressed particular interest in Copperfield's "business list," which they described as appearing to be "a compilation of females that he targeted for sexual conquest." Entries in this list noted that two women were "Jeff Epstein guest[s]" and contained comments about their loyalty and willingness to "play the game."
Evidence of Regular Contact
The FBI memo detailed evidence showing Copperfield provided complimentary tickets to Epstein and his guests on "a number of occasions" at the MGM Grand Hollywood Theater, where the magician regularly performs. Investigators also noted what they described as a "13-year gap" in Copperfield's records seized during raids, covering the period from 1993 to 2005 - coinciding with when Epstein would have become aware of investigations into his alleged sexual misconduct.
Prosecutorial Communications Revealed
Separate documents include a September 2008 email exchange between Susan "Susie" Roe, the assistant US attorney leading the Copperfield investigation in Seattle, and Ann Marie Villafaña, the assistant US attorney working on the Epstein case in Florida. Roe asked for a copy of Epstein's controversial plea deal and inquired whether Epstein would ever discuss Copperfield with investigators.
Villafaña responded that Epstein "would just never turn in one of his friends unless it meant a big benefit for him." She also suggested creative approaches to potential charging decisions if Carroll had traveled to Copperfield's island via South Florida.
2019 Memo Adds Disturbing Details
A partially redacted memo dated November 2019, written months after Epstein's suicide, contained additional claims about the Copperfield investigation. The unnamed author stated the FBI investigation showed Copperfield trained his employees to identify young females in his show audiences, specifically targeting "teens to early twenties."
According to the memo, these women were "separated from their boyfriends, families and husbands and brought backstage." The author described a notebook system used by Copperfield's employees to provide him with females, containing contact information, sexual activity records, and photographs.
The 2019 memo author claimed: "I recall Epstein's name coming up in our investigation a number of times and Copperfield appeared to have a very close relationship with Epstein." The author also suggested the case was closed because the US attorney's office was "weak and intimidated by the financial resources of Copperfield," though acknowledged jurisdictional challenges.
Legal Responses and Denials
Copperfield's lawyers have consistently denied any close friendship with Epstein, describing them as "at most, acquaintances" who met on only a "handful" of occasions. They have repeatedly stated that any suggestion of friendship "is totally false and a mischaracterization made by the media."
Regarding messages found at Epstein's residence, Copperfield's representatives have claimed any communications were merely "in response to a request by Epstein for tickets to a show." The magician has consistently denied all allegations of sexual misconduct or inappropriate behavior.
Photographic Evidence and Island Connections
The document release follows previous disclosures including photographs showing Copperfield and Ghislaine Maxwell wearing white robes and embracing, apparently on Epstein's private island. Additional emails reveal Epstein discussing Copperfield's acquisition of Musha Cay, with Epstein claiming he told Copperfield about the island property.
Becky Roe, lawyer for Lacey Carroll (no relation to prosecutor Susan Roe), commented that the FBI "wanted the DoJ to charge" Copperfield and were likely disappointed when they decided not to proceed. However, she defended prosecutor Susan Roe's handling of the case, stating she was "definitely NOT weak" and suggesting jurisdictional issues were the decisive factor.
The newly released documents provide unprecedented insight into law enforcement's concerns about the relationship between two high-profile figures and the challenges investigators faced in pursuing allegations that crossed international boundaries and involved individuals with significant resources.
