Former CIA Officer Charged With Theft After FBI Seizes 303 Gold Bars

A federal complaint filed in the Eastern District of Virginia charges David Rush with theft of public money. The complaint states that Rush, described as a former Senior Executive Service employee at a United States government agency with top-secret clearance, allegedly lied about his academic and military credentials to secure higher pay and benefits.

According to the affidavit, Rush claimed in a 2009 job application that he held a bachelor's degree from Clemson University and a master's degree from Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute. Investigators later determined he had never attended either school.

The affidavit notes that federal salaries are partly based on education level, and an employee with a master's degree would generally receive higher compensation. The affidavit also alleges Rush claimed 744 hours of military leave after his 2015 honorable discharge from the Navy, resulting in $77,000 in extra compensation.

It further states that gold and foreign currency Rush requested for work purposes could not be accounted for after review of his office storage space.

FBI agents executed a search warrant at Rush's Virginia residence on May 18 and seized approximately 303 gold bars, about $2 million in cash, and nearly three dozen luxury watches. The bars are estimated to be worth more than $40 million. CIA Director John Ratcliffe referred the matter to the FBI after an internal agency review.

Rush was arrested on May 19. A detention hearing is scheduled for Friday. His attorney declined to comment. "After a CIA internal investigation identified potential violations of the law, CIA Director John Ratcliffe referred the information to the FBI for a law enforcement investigation," CIA and FBI spokespersons said in a joint statement.