A federal judge has ordered former CIA official David Rush to remain in custody pending trial after authorities discovered gold bars worth about $40 million at his home.
U.S. Magistrate Judge William Fitzpatrick ruled Friday that Rush poses a severe flight risk and must stay detained. The decision followed an FBI search in May that uncovered 303 gold bars, $2 million in cash and more than 30 luxury watches while agents investigated whether Rush had lied about his background. Rush faces only one charge so far, alleging about $70,000 in fraudulent timesheets. Prosecutors said large sums remain unaccounted for and described Rush as a master manipulator who cannot be trusted. Defense attorney Jessica Carmichael said all gold bars have been recovered and that Rush cooperated with agents by providing access codes. She argued the government's allegations are sensational and that Rush could be monitored at home instead of held in solitary confinement. FBI Director Kash Patel, CIA Director John Ratcliffe and Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche briefed the Gang of 8 lawmakers on the case earlier this week.
