A former senior federal official pleaded guilty Tuesday to defrauding the government of about $194 million, using invented classified programs to buy 298 gold bars, four luxury South Florida properties, watches and two BMWs.
David J. Rush of Ashburn, Virginia, pleaded guilty to one count of wire fraud in federal court in Alexandria, after reaching a tentative plea deal in September. Under the final agreement, he owes at least $195.4 million in restitution. The fraud caused $193.6 million in losses, according to court documents, and $1.8 million in private charter flights he billed to the government.
