Thursday, November 13, 2025 -Eric T. Gillespie, 57, founder of the defense analytics company Govini, has been federally charged in Pennsylvania with four felonies, including unlawful contact with a minor and criminal use of a communication facility.
According to the state Attorney General’s office, an undercover agent posed as a pre-teen girl on a chat platform commonly used by offenders. Gillespie allegedly used a pseudonym, communicated with the agent, and attempted to arrange a meeting with the presumed minor in Lebanon County. A judge denied bail, citing concerns about public safety and flight risk.
Govini is a major player in the defense and AI space, with ties to the U.S. government. Earlier this year, the company secured a significant investment of around $150 million and reported over $100 million in recurring revenue.
The company placed Gillespie on administrative leave once the charges were public and said it would cooperate fully with law enforcement. Because of the nature of the charges and Gillespie’s role in a company with government contracts, the case raises broader questions about security, oversight, and contractor vetting.
Gillespie will appear for a preliminary hearing, and the legal process will determine whether the evidence supports a full prosecution. If convicted, he faces serious penalties under Pennsylvania law. For Govini, the reputational risk is high.
Even if Gillespie was not involved operationally in recent years, the connection could affect contracts, government trust, and investor confidence. The incident also underscores the need for robust background checks, especially for companies handling sensitive data or working with government agencies.
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