Former CIA Official in Plea Discussions After $40M Gold Seizure

WASHINGTON — The Justice Department is engaged in negotiations for a plea agreement with David Rush, a former Central Intelligence Agency official apprehended in May with approximately $40 million in gold bars hidden at his residence. According to a court filing submitted on Friday, prosecutors and Rush’s legal team have requested that a federal district court in Virginia extend the indictment deadline to October 8.

In their motion, attorneys stated that reaching a resolution before formal charges would conserve judicial and government resources. “The parties have made significant progress and have a plea agreement in principle that would resolve the matter prior to an indictment,” the filing read. They further noted that proceeding to trial would involve complex litigation regarding classified materials.

The specific charges Rush might face were not disclosed in the document. However, an initial criminal complaint filed in May accused him of a single count of theft of public funds related to timesheet fraud. During the execution of a search warrant at his Virginia home, the FBI reportedly discovered 303 gold bars, $2 million in cash, and 35 luxury timepieces, including several Rolexes.

Federal agents also alleged that Rush provided false information on his government applications regarding his educational and military background. The complaint claims he fraudulently claimed 744 hours of military leave after his 2015 honorable discharge from the Navy, resulting in approximately $77,000 in unwarranted compensation.

Additionally, the FBI stated that Rush had requested large sums of foreign currency and tens of millions of dollars in gold bars for official expenses. Authorities noted that his former employer could not verify the intended purpose of these funds.

In June, a federal judge ordered Rush to remain in custody while awaiting trial, citing him as a severe flight risk. CBS News has contacted Rush’s attorney for comment.