Govini founder Gillespie released on bond, Pentagon probe ‘ongoing’
Headshot of Govini Founder and Chairman Eric Gillespie.
Courtesy: Pennsylvania Attorney General
Govini founder Eric Gillespie, who was charged with four felonies, including multiple counts of unlawful contact with a minor, was released on bail.
Gillespie, who lives in Pittsburgh, posted a $1 million bond after appearing in court Thursday. He is not allowed to travel and his passport is cancelled.
He was initially denied bail after his arrest on November 7, when the judge cited flight risk and public safety concerns.
David Shrager Shrager Defense Lawyers, who represented Gillespie, insisted their client did not violate any laws.
“Mr. Gillespie has never contacted a minor online or in person, and the facts clearly prove that,” Shrager said after Thursday’s hearing.
“Complete misrepresentations, including the use of artificial intelligence, between adults in the context of online fantasy chat are not illegal,” he added.
Gillespie’s next court date 18 December.
Pennsylvania Attorney General’s Office The office said Gillespie sent sexually explicit photos and made graphic comments about sexual acts with children to an agent posing as a father offering to molest his daughter.
According to the criminal complaint obtained by CNBC, Gillespie, 57, commented on the security of encrypted platforms used in chats between himself and the undercover agent.
Gillespie is the founder of defense contractor Govini.
He was listed as a board member on the leadership page on the company’s website as recently as Aug. 17, according to an archived version of the page available on the Wayback Machine.
company terminated Gillespie on November 12.
Earlier this year, Govini signed a nearly $1 billion contract with the company. Department of Defense. The company’s suite of AI-powered applications is used by every department of the U.S. military and other federal agencies.
Following his arrest, Pentagon officials said they were investigating Gillespie and possible security issues.
CNBC has repeatedly asked the Department of Defense for updates on the status of the investigation and possible security concerns regarding Govini or Gillespie.
“We do not comment on ongoing investigations,” a Pentagon spokesman said Thursday. he said.
