Ex-CIA official found with $40 million in gold bars admits to sprawling scheme

A former CIA official, David Rush, admitted to a scheme involving the theft of $200 million in government funds, a charge he admitted to in a guilty plea on Tuesday. Rush was found with $40 million in gold bars at his home in May and faces up to 20 years in prison. He used false classified programs to divert nearly $200 million in government money, which he then used to purchase luxury homes and gold bars.

Prosecutors said Rush created fake classified programs to justify the acquisition of both the real estate and gold bars. The scheme involved directing funds to front companies, which were then used to purchase Florida properties and acquire gold bars. Rush was arrested in May, and FBI agents found the gold bars and cash during a search at his home. In total, Rush faces the forfeiture of at least $194 million in assets.