A U.S. judge has ordered the detention of a former CIA official, David Rush, after authorities found gold bars worth approximately $40 million in his residence. The ruling by U.S. Magistrate Judge William Fitzpatrick comes as Rush awaits trial, with the judge citing a significant risk of flight.
Judge Fitzpatrick expressed concerns about Rush’s potential to flee, noting his resources and motivation to evade law enforcement. Rush faces a charge of stealing public money after FBI agents, investigating discrepancies in his background, discovered the gold alongside $2 million in cash and over 30 luxury watches in his home.
Fitzpatrick stated, “Rush has both the means and the motive to escape.”
Government attorneys claim Rush was converting funds into easily tradable commodities, providing “strong evidence” that he intended to conceal these assets. During a public hearing, which followed a closed session of one hour, prosecutors labeled Rush a “master manipulator,” accusing him of deceiving others about his identity and using his senior position unscrupulously.
The Justice Department argued Rush “cannot be trusted” and demonstrates a willingness to disregard regulations. Currently held in solitary confinement, Rush faces a charge linked to about $70,000 in fraudulent timesheets, although substantial amounts of money remain untracked.
Rush’s defense attorney, Jessica Carmichael, dismissed concerns over the gold bars, asserting all of them had been accounted for. She noted that Rush had been forthcoming with FBI officials, providing access codes for the gold stored in his basement. Carmichael maintained the gold’s presence in Rush’s home should not be an issue.
The prosecution, however, argues the unaccounted funds could involve foreign currency, yet has not detailed how this currency might have been used or any efforts to locate it. An FBI affidavit mentions several requests by Rush to obtain a significant amount of foreign currency between November 2025 and March 2026.
Carmichael argued it is not the defense’s responsibility to locate untracked foreign currency, describing the government’s accusations as “sensational.” She emphasized that Rush never claimed ownership of the gold bars, and while parts of his defense might “sound bizarre and secretive,” his job’s nature often involves such elements. She suggested Rush could be monitored at home with an ankle bracelet rather than being held in custody.
Carmichael compared the government’s claims to a “game of Whack-a-Mole,” stating her defense is hindered, “like playing with a blindfold on.”
In the latest developments, Carmichael reported becoming aware of new evidence during the closed hearing segment, questioning the prosecution’s transparency about discovery.
FBI Director Kash Patel, CIA Director John Ratcliffe, and Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche briefed lawmakers on the case, indicating its high-profile nature.
Report contributed by Sarah N. Lynch.