Former CIA official with Top Secret clearance admits to $194 million fraud, including 298 gold bars and four luxury South Florida properties
Source: Fortune ·
Rush will give up 298 gold bars, Palm Beach and Jupiter Island real estate, 35 watches, two BMW Alpinas and about $40 million in cash.
From the source
A former senior federal official pleaded guilty Tuesday to defrauding the government of about $194 million, using invented classified programs to buy 298 gold bars, four luxury South Florida properties, watches and two BMWs. David J. Rush of Ashburn, Virginia, pleaded guilty to one count of wire fraud in federal court in Alexandria, after reaching a tentative plea deal in September. Under the final agreement, he owes at least $195.4 million in restitution. The fraud caused $193.6 million in losses, according to court documents, and $1.8 million in private charter flights he billed to the government. Rush held senior executive posts and a TS/SCI clearance at an agency the filings call “Government Agency 1.” CIA Director John Ratcliffe said the CIA referred the case to the FBI after an internal investigation “identified potential crimes.” “David Rush abused his position and betrayed the public trust and should be held fully accountable for his actions,” Ratcliffe said. “Federal…