David Rush, a former CIA officer who was arrested after authorities found large quantities of gold in his Virginia home, pleaded guilty on Tuesday to a single count of wire fraud, admitting in federal court that he defrauded the U.S. government of nearly $200 million for his personal benefit.
Prosecutors have described Rush as a “master manipulator” who used his clandestine position to obtain high-value assets, including gold bars and luxury watches. According to a summary of his plea agreement provided by a senior Justice Department prosecutor, Rush engaged in two separate schemes that produced more than $190 million in payments to him.
In the first scheme, prosecutors say Rush received about $145 million that he used to buy and renovate luxury real estate in Palm Beach, Florida, with the intent of flipping the properties for profit. Portions of that money also went toward luxury vehicles and watches. Officials allege Rush falsely told colleagues that he had authorization for the payments from high-level officials in the Trump administration.
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The second scheme involved the fabrication of a so-called Special Access Program that led to approval of 298 gold bars to be provided to Rush. Prosecutors say Rush later falsely reported that those bars had been distributed; a subsequent search of his residence in May uncovered roughly $46.4 million worth of gold. Earlier reporting at the time of his arrest noted roughly $40 million in gold bars had been discovered at his home.
Rush also admitted that he fraudulently sought reimbursement for about $1.8 million in charter flights used for his personal benefit. In addition, the plea summary disclosed that Rush once disclosed top-secret information to a foreign government official identifying a U.S. clandestine source; prosecutors did not identify the foreign government or explain Rush’s motive for the disclosure.
The CIA said it referred the matter to the FBI after an internal investigation identified potential criminal conduct. “David Rush abused his position and betrayed the public trust and should be held fully accountable for his actions,” CIA Director John Ratcliffe said in a statement quoted in court. Ratcliffe added that the agency appreciated its law enforcement partners and was committed to holding those entrusted with national secrets “to the absolute highest standard.”
Attorney General Todd Blanche commented that “Federal employees are entrusted with serving the American people, not themselves,” and said the administration is committed to prosecuting those who defraud taxpayers.
Rush has remained in government custody since his arrest in May. He originally faced charges of theft of public money — including allegations he lied about his background and committed time-card fraud related to claims about military leave — but pleaded guilty Tuesday only to the wire fraud count. That charge carries a maximum potential sentence of 20 years in prison.
As part of the plea agreement, Rush agreed to pay $195 million in restitution. His sentencing is scheduled for Jan. 28 of next year.
