A former senior federal employee with a top-secret security clearance has pleaded guilty to defrauding the US government of approximately $193.6 million. The employee using fabricated government authorities to obtain money for himself. According to the US Department of Justice, David J. Rush, 49, of Ashburn, Virginia, created fictitious government mechanisms, including a fake Special Access Program, to obtain federal funds. Prosecutors said he then acquired gold bars and directed about $145 million in wire transfers towards luxury real estate, watches and at least one car. An FBI search of his home later uncovered 298 gold bars, along with more than $2.1 million in cash and other valuables.
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