Former CIA officer David Rush pleads guilty in $194 million fraud scheme
Prosecutors said the scheme financed gold bars and luxury purchases. Sentencing is scheduled for January 28, 2027.
Former CIA officer David Rush pleaded guilty to wire fraud in federal court in Virginia on October 6 in a scheme that cost the government approximately $194 million.
Rush, 49, of Ashburn, used his senior government position to create fictitious authorities, including a fabricated Special Access Program, to obtain public funds for personal purchases, the Justice Department said, citing court documents.
The department said the scheme financed gold bars, luxury real estate, watches and vehicles. FBI agents searching his home on May 19, 2026, recovered 298 gold bars and more than $2 million in cash. The gold had cost the government approximately $46 million, according to prosecutors.
Under his plea agreement, Rush agreed to forfeit the recovered gold and currency, properties, 30 watches and two BMW Alpina vehicles, the department said.
Sentencing is scheduled for January 28, 2027. Rush faces a maximum of 20 years in prison, alongside potential restitution, forfeiture and a fine. The judge will determine his sentence; the maximum is not a sentence already imposed.
The Justice Department said its investigation continues.
This story was drafted with AI assistance from the sources listed below and reviewed by a human editor before publication.
