A former senior CIA official named David Rush is now in federal custody following the discovery of a significant cache of assets inside his Virginia residence. Federal filings indicate investigators recovered more than 300 gold bars valued at over $40 million, approximately $2 million in U.S. currency, and about 35 luxury watches—many of them Rolex models—during a home search conducted on May 18.
Rush, who held top secret-level security clearance, was arrested last week and charged with criminal theft of public money in the Eastern District of Virginia. Federal agents allege he requested and received foreign currency and gold bars for “work-related expenses” between November and March, with some funds reportedly linked to a storage space near his office.
Court records detail additional allegations against Rush, including fabricated educational credentials from Clemson University and Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, as well as false claims about his military and aviation background. Prosecutors state he misrepresented his service at the U.S. Naval Test Pilot School and falsely claimed 744 hours of military leave after a 2015 discharge from the Navy Reserve, entitling him to roughly $77,000 in compensation he was not authorized to receive.
The FBI affidavit asserts there is probable cause to believe Rush knowingly converted government assets for personal use. The investigation involves federal authorities working with the CIA and Department of Justice, while Rush’s legal team has declined to comment publicly. His initial appearance before U.S. Magistrate Judge William E. Fitzpatrick occurred after his arrest on a federal theft charge.
