BIRMINGHAM, Ala. – In a stunning blow to the City of Homewood, its former finance director has been sentenced for embezzling nearly $950,000 from Homewood’s coffers, announced United States Attorney Prim F. Escalona. U.S. District Court Judge Anna M. Manasco handed down the 37-month prison sentence to Robert Winston Burgett, 64, of Hueytown.
The harsh sentence came after Burgett pleaded guilty in October 2024 to three counts of wire fraud. According to the information and plea agreement, Burgett worked for the City of Homewood as its finance director. Between at least May 2023 and about March 2024, Burgett used that position to embezzle almost $950,000 from City of Homewood bank accounts.
Burgett concealed his conduct by first moving the City’s funds into a commercial bank account he controlled before transferring the funds into his personal account. Burgett also altered City bank account statements and made false journal entries in City accounting records. Burgett ultimately used the embezzled funds for personal purposes.
The FBI and the Homewood Police Department investigated the case with assistance from the Alabama Department of Examiners of Public Accounts. Assistant U.S. Attorney J.B. Ward prosecuted the case.
The case serves as a stark reminder of the devastating consequences of public corruption. The Homewood community deserves better from its public officials, and we will continue to hold those accountable who betray the trust placed in them.
Burgett’s sentence is a testament to the tireless efforts of the law enforcement agencies involved in this case. We appreciate their dedication to uncovering the truth and bringing those responsible to justice.
The case also highlights the importance of transparency and accountability in government. The people of Homewood deserve to know that their tax dollars are being used for the betterment of their community, not for personal gain.
Related Federal Cases
- Robert L. Crites, Defrauded TRICARE, Batesville MS, 2023 · Washington
- Jeffrey Phares, Grave Marker Embezzlement, WHEELING WV, 2023 · Alabama
- Bradley Temple Pleads Guilty to COVID-19 Relief Fund Embezzlement, … · Alabama
- Bradley Temple, COVID-19 Relief Money Embezzlement, Wheeling WV, 2023 · Alabama
- John Smith Pleads Guilty to $1B Embezzlement Scheme, New York NY, 2023 · Alabama
Key Facts
- State: Alabama
- Category: Public Corruption|White Collar Crime
- Source: DOJ Press Release â†â€â€
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