A former senior CIA official has pleaded guilty to defrauding the federal government of about $194 million, a scheme prosecutors say he used to buy gold bars, Florida luxury homes and other personal assets.
David J. Rush, 49, of Ashburn, Virginia, admitted Tuesday to running a scheme to defraud the federal government relating to the misuse of his government position, reports the US Department of Justice.
Court documents say Rush invented fictitious government programs, including a fabricated Special Access Program, to obtain about $193,590,400 in US government funds.
Prosecutors say he directed about $145 million in wire transfers that he used to buy luxury real estate, watches and at least one car.
The WRAL News reports those transfers went to a holding company he directed, then to four luxury properties in Palm Beach and Hobe Sound, Florida.
Prosecutors say he separately obtained gold bars that cost the government about $46 million.
An FBI search of Rush’s Virginia home on May 19th recovered 298 gold bars, about $2.1 million in cash, €104,795 and numerous luxury watches.
Says Attorney General Todd Blanche,
“Federal employees are entrusted with serving the American people, not themselves. The Trump Administration is committed to rooting out waste, fraud, and abuse in the federal government, including by prosecuting those who foolishly defraud American taxpayers.”
Says CIA Director John Ratcliffe,
“Following an internal investigation that identified potential crimes, CIA immediately referred this matter to the FBI. David Rush abused his position and betrayed the public trust and should be held fully accountable for his actions… The Agency is committed to ensuring that those entrusted with our Nation’s secrets are held to the absolute highest standard.”
Court filings say Rush also lied about his education and military experience, falsely claiming to be a Navy pilot with degrees from Clemson and Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute.
Under the plea, Rush agreed to forfeit the gold, currency, fraudulently obtained properties, 30 watches and two 2026 BMW Alpina vehicles.
Rush faces up to 20 years behind bars, along with three years of supervised release, forfeiture, restitution, and a fine. District Judge Michael Nachmanoff is set to sentence him on January 28th, 2027, in Alexandria.
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