Former City of Homewood Finance Director Robert Winston Burgett pleaded guilty to embezzling nearly $1 million from city funds. He entered his plea in federal court in Birmingham and is scheduled to be sentenced on Feb. 26, 2025.
Burgett, who retired in March, used his position to steal around $950,000 between May 2023 and March 2024. He transferred the money into his personal account after moving it through a commercial bank account he controlled. Burgett also falsified city bank account statements and accounting records to cover up his theft.
The FBI, Homewood Police Department, and Alabama Department of Examiners of Public Accounts were involved in the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney J.B. Ward is prosecuting the case. Burgett had initially been arrested on state charges of aggravated theft by deception.
Attorney Tommy Spina stated that Burgett takes full responsibility for his actions and deeply regrets the breach of trust he caused. He apologized for disappointing the community and is committed to making amends and contributing positively. Spina added that Burgett accepts the consequences of his actions and hopes to learn from this experience to promote accountability and integrity moving forward.
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