Former CIA Officer Who Stole $40M in Gold Bars Reaches Plea Deal

David Rush, a former CIA officer found with 303 gold bars in his Virginia home, has reached a tentative plea agreement with federal prosecutors.

Ex-CIA Officer Accused of $40M Gold Bar Theft Nears Pre-Indictment Deal

Federal prosecutors and a former CIA officer accused of stealing more than 300 gold bars worth over $40 million have reached a tentative plea agreement, according to court records reviewed by theguardian.com.

David Rush and Justice Department prosecutors filed a joint document on Friday describing a "plea agreement in principle." The two sides also asked a judge to extend a September 17 deadline by three weeks — through October 8 — to finalize paperwork, including an agreed-upon statement of facts.

"A pre-indictment resolution promotes the public interest by conserving government and judicial resources," assistant U.S. attorney Raizza Ty and Rush's defense attorney, Jessica Carmichael, wrote in the filing. No further details of the working agreement were disclosed.

Rush, who served for 17 years as an executive service-level employee in the CIA's science and technology division, was fired after an FBI investigation. An FBI affidavit states that agents found 303 bullion bars — each weighing 2.2 pounds (1 kilogram) — along with more than $2 million in foreign currency and 35 luxury watches, many of them Rolex, during a search of his Virginia home.

He was arrested on May 19 and charged with one count of stealing public money. Investigators also allege he falsified his educational qualifications and military service records to obtain his CIA position, and submitted fraudulent timecards to claim roughly $77,000 in military leave compensation he was not entitled to.

After the arrest, investigators uncovered the full scope of a fabricated classified program Rush had allegedly created, through which he requested the gold bars and foreign currency as "work-related expenses." He had also allegedly claimed to have been a Navy pilot — a credential prosecutors say was false — on multiple employment applications.

Rush has remained in custody since his arrest, having been deemed a flight risk. The CIA has not disclosed the specific nature of his duties at the agency.

The October 8 deadline gives both sides time to reduce the agreement to formal paperwork before any grand jury indictment is sought.

Source: NYT US News