A U.S. magistrate ordered the detention of former CIA official David Rush, who was found with gold bars valued at around $40 million. Judge William Fitzpatrick, at the detention hearing, stated Rush is a severe flight risk due to his means and motive to evade law enforcement.
Rush faces a charge of stealing public money, as FBI discovered 303 gold bars, $2 million in cash, and over 30 luxury watches during a search of his home. Government lawyers claim there is strong evidence of Rush attempting to hide the funds by diversifying into tradeable commodities.
During an open hearing, government attorneys labeled Rush as a “master manipulator” who deceived his neighbors and co-workers, using his seniority to his advantage. According to a Justice Department lawyer, Rush cannot be trusted to adhere to rules.
Currently in solitary confinement, Rush only contends with one charge regarding $70,000 in fraudulent timesheets. Prosecutors noted large sums remain unaccounted for, though Rush’s lawyer, Jessica Carmichael, asserts all gold bars have been retrieved and are not a matter of concern.
Carmichael stated Rush voluntarily informed the FBI about the gold and provided access codes. The unaccounted funds could refer to foreign currency, but the government hasn’t clarified its intended use or steps to locate it. Between November 2025 and March 2026, Rush reportedly requested considerable foreign currency amounts.
Defense lawyer Carmichael argued it’s not their responsibility to trace unaccounted foreign funds and called the government’s accusations “sensational.” She noted that Rush never claimed ownership of the gold bars and defended his actions as part of his job’s secretive nature.
Carmichael suggested Rush could be monitored at home with an ankle bracelet instead of confinement. She characterized the Justice Department’s case as chaotic, likening their allegations to playing “Whack-a-Mole” but without vision.
During a sealed hearing, Carmichael learned of new evidence, expressing frustrations with prosecutors not responding to discovery requests. FBI Director Kash Patel, CIA Director John Ratcliffe, and Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche briefed congressional leaders on the case.