A former senior CIA official who allegedly stole nearly $200 million from the federal government misrepresented his military experience and academic credentials to advance within the intelligence agency, federal prosecutors said.
David J. Rush pleaded guilty in federal court in Virginia to one count of wire fraud. His plea came months after FBI agents searched his home and found 298 gold bars valued at $46 million, $2.1 million in cash and dozens of luxury items.
“Federal employees are entrusted with serving the American people, not themselves,” Attorney General Todd Blanche said. “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.”
David Rush, a former CIA officer, admitted to defrauding the government of hundreds of millions of dollars. Federal prosecutors said he was found with $40 million in gold bars at his home in May, along with millions of dollars in cash and luxury watches. (Sven Hoppe/picture alliance via Getty Images; Alexandria Sheriff’s Office)
Prosecutors said Rush fabricated a broad range of credentials to reach senior positions at the CIA and obtain top-secret security clearances.
On government employment applications, he claimed he had graduated from the U.S. Air Force Test Pilot School and served as director of test operations for a joint Army/Navy unit.
In fact, Rush had never been a pilot, possessed no Federal Aviation Administration licenses and worked primarily as an information systems technician while serving in the Navy.
After reaching senior leadership, Rush allegedly orchestrated an extensive scheme to divert taxpayer money. According to the Justice Department, he established fictitious government entities and invented initiatives, including a fake “Special Access Program,” then routed federal funds to accounts he controlled. The scheme ultimately netted $194 million.
IN CASE YOU MISSED IT: Science Determines the Top 6 Healthiest Seeds for Consumption – NewsFinale
The seal of the Central Intelligence Agency is displayed in the foyer of the original headquarters building in Langley, Virginia, on Friday, Sept. 18, 2009. (Andrew Harrer/Bloomberg via Getty Images)
Rush used $145 million in wire transfers to finance an extravagant lifestyle, prosecutors said. The money went toward luxury properties, high-end vehicles and large amounts of physical gold.
“Rush abused his position and betrayed the public trust and should be held fully accountable for his actions,” CIA Director John Ratcliffe said. “Following an internal investigation that identified potential crimes, CIA immediately referred this matter to the FBI.”
An image of gold bars and millions of dollars in cash seized from David Rush’s home. (Justice Department)
As part of his plea agreement, Rush agreed to forfeit every asset seized during the investigation. The forfeiture covers the 298 gold bars, $2.1 million in cash, his real estate, 30 luxury watches—most of them Rolexes—and two 2026 BMW Alpina vehicles. One of the cars was valued at $172,000.
Rush is set to be sentenced on Jan. 28, 2027, and faces a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison.