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Woman Who Claimed Sex Assault Sues Copperfield
Alleged victim files on statute of limitations deadline
By Evann Gastaldo
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Posted Aug 20, 09 9:41 AM CDT
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(Newser)
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The Seattle woman who accused David Copperfield of sexual assault two years ago filed a federal lawsuit against the magician last month before the two-year statute of limitations expired, the Seattle Times reports. The 22-year-old model and former Miss Washington USA contestant says Copperfield used her in his act in January 2007, then lured her to his private island in the Bahamas in July, where she says he repeatedly “attacked” and threatened her.
The US Attorney’s Office is still considering whether to file criminal charges in the case. Copperfield yesterday shot back, accusing the woman of “extortion for money, plain and simple,” and his lawyers claim she “has a history of lying which continues in this lawsuit.” They continue, “Her allegation that there was no one on the island to help her—even if she needed help—is preposterous.”