A former financial director for a city outside Birmingham, Alabama, has pleaded guilty to embezzling nearly $1 million.
BIRMINGHAM, Alabama — The former finance director of a city in the central Alabama suburb of Birmingham has pleaded guilty to embezzling nearly $1 million.
Robert Winston Burgett pleaded guilty Wednesday to three counts of wire fraud in federal court in Birmingham, al.com reports.
Burgett, 64, worked for the city of Homewood for 13 years before retiring in March. Burgett used his position to embezzle approximately $950,000 between May 2023 and March 2024, according to federal documents.
He concealed his actions by moving city funds into commercial bank accounts he controlled and then moving the funds into personal accounts, the news site said, citing records. Court records say he falsified city bank account statements and made false entries in city records to conceal his actions.
“Today, Mr. Burgett publicly acknowledged and accepted full responsibility for his actions that resulted in the defrauding of the City of Homewood,” defense attorney Tommy Spina said in a statement. “He is deeply remorseful for the betrayal he has caused to the city, its employees, and the residents he has served. He understands the gravity of his actions and the impact they have had on the community. Masu.”
U.S. District Judge Anna Manasco is scheduled to issue a ruling on February 26 next year.
The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of Alabama and Spina did not immediately respond to an email from The Associated Press seeking comment and further information about the possible sentencing.
Burgett was arrested in connection with the case earlier this year.
