Robert Winston Burgett, Wire Fraud, Alabama 2024

BIRMINGHAM, Ala. – In a shocking case of corruption, a former finance director for the City of Homewood has been sentenced for embezzling nearly $950,000 from the city's coffers.

Robert Winston Burgett, 64, of Hueytown, pleaded guilty to three counts of wire fraud in October 2024 and has been sentenced to 37 months in prison by U.S. District Court Judge Anna M. Manasco.

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. He 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 highlights the importance of transparency and accountability in government finances. It also serves as a reminder that corruption can occur in any level of government and that those responsible will be held accountable.

Burgett's sentence is a significant blow to those who would seek to exploit their position for personal gain. The people of Homewood deserve to know that their tax dollars are being used for the betterment of their community, not for lining the pockets of corrupt officials.

Source: https://www.justice.gov/usao-ndal/pr/former-homewood-finance-director-sentenced-embezzling-nearly-950000