Grand Jury Probes Copperfield

Until now, only rapes of women have been counted

(NEWSER) - The FBI is at long last changing its definition of rape to include males, after years of pressure from advocacy groups. For the past 85 years, the bureau has defined rape as "carnal knowledge of a female forcibly and against her will," a definition that would exclude, for example, several things Jerry Sandusky is accused of doing, USA Today points out. From now on, rape will be defined as any kind of non-consensual penetration, regardless of gender. More»

Crime stats don't reflect reality, top cops say

(NEWSER) - Many more rapes take place in the US than the FBI's figures suggest, say campaigners urging the federal government to broaden its definition of rape. The FBI's definition, written more than 80 years ago, defines rape as "the carnal knowledge of a female, forcibly and against her will." Critics—including many police chiefs—say this definition ignores male victims, and means cases in which the victim was drunk or drugged, as well as ones where anal or oral penetration or penetration with an object has taken place, are not classed as rape in federal crime reports. More»

Suspect targeted Coughlin in alleged bid to frame ex-co-workers

(NEWSER) - A Philadelphia man faces federal extortion charges and 2 years in prison after confessing to attempting to blackmail Giants coach Tom Coughlin, the New York Daily News reports. The coach received letters purportedly from two women 2 weeks ago and notified the NFL, which passed along the evidence to the FBI, the Philadelphia Daily News reports. More»

(NEWSER) - Illusionist David Copperfield has canceled shows across Southeast Asia amid reports that the FBI is investigating claims he "forced himself" on an unidentified woman, the AP reports. He called off dates in Malaysia, Thailand, Singapore, and Jakarta, where the promoter said: "With this cancellation, we have lost more than $1 million in advertising and other preparations." More»

Feds raid trick warehouse in alleged sex abuse investigation

(NEWSER) - The FBI raided a Las Vegas warehouse owned by magician David Copperfield this week, seizing a hard drive, a camera system, and nearly $2 million in cash, a local TV station reports. The feds won't reveal what Copperfield is being investigated for, but the Las Vegas Review-Journal says he stands accused of sexual abuse. More»