Former CIA official found with $40 million in gold bars in plea deal talks

Updated on: September 11, 2026 / 5:43 PM EDT / CBS News

Former CIA official found with $40 million in gold bars in plea deal talks

TL;DR

  • A tentative plea deal is being discussed between the Justice Department and a former CIA official, David Rush.
  • Rush was found with approximately $40 million in gold bars, $2 million in cash, and luxury watches at his Virginia home.
  • Prosecutors and Rush's legal team requested an extension to file an indictment, stating a pre-indictment resolution would save government and judicial resources.
  • The plea agreement in principle aims to resolve the case before an indictment, avoiding potential litigation over classified materials.
  • Rush was previously charged with stealing public money through timesheet fraud, allegedly claiming military leave compensation after his discharge.
  • A federal judge had previously ordered Rush to remain in custody, deeming him a severe flight risk.