Anton Petrus | Moment | Getty Images
Govini has fired Eric Gillespie from its board of directors after the founder was charged with attempting to solicit sexual contact with a minor online.
“The actions of one depraved individual should not in any way diminish the hard work of the broader team and their commitment to the security of the United States of America,” the defense software startup said in a release late Wednesday.
The company said the 57-year-old had no access to classified information since he stepped down as CEO nearly ten years ago.
On Monday, the Pennsylvania Attorney General’s Office charged Gillespie with four felonies, including multiple counts of unlawful contact with a minor.
A judge denied bail for Gillespie, who lives in Pittsburgh, citing flight risk and public safety concerns.
Pentagon officials told CNBC that they were investigating the arrest and possible security risks.
Last month, the Arlington, Virginia-based startup surpassed $100 million in annual recurring revenue and announced a $150 million growth investment from Bain Capital.
Govini has a more than $900-million contract with the U.S. government and deals with the Department of Defense.
Gillespie, who is viewed as an expert in government transparency, was named to the Freedom of Information Act Advisory Committee during the Obama administration in 2014.
He previously worked as an executive at business intelligence platform Onvia.
He is a graduate of Miami University and Harvard Business School, according to his LinkedIn.
