Former CIA officer David Rush seeks plea deal in $40M gold bar theft case

Former CIA officer David Rush is working toward a “plea agreement in principle” with the Justice Department following his arrest in May. Rush was apprehended after federal agents raided his Ashburn, Virginia, residence, where they reportedly discovered 303 gold bars worth approximately $40 million, which are considered U.S. government property. Authorities also seized $2 million in cash and 35 luxury wristwatches.

Rush, who allegedly falsified his background to secure a high-ranking position within the CIA’s Directorate of Science and Technology, has been formally charged with one count of theft of public funds related to fraudulent military leave claims. The legal teams have requested a 21-day extension through October 8 to finalize a “pre-indictment resolution,” which they argue would conserve judicial resources.

The investigation has also drawn attention to Rush’s connection to Steve Feinberg, the number two official at the Department of Defense. While the FBI has interviewed Feinberg regarding video footage of him at a residence linked to the U.S. government, officials stated he is not under investigation and has not been accused of wrongdoing.