Former Homewood Finance Director Admits to Embezzling Nearly $1 Million from City
Robert Winston Burgett, former finance director of Homewood, Alabama, agrees to plead guilty to federal charges of wire fraud after embezzling nearly $1 million from city funds.
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A former finance director of Homewood, Alabama, has agreed to plead guilty to embezzling close to $1 million from the city, following federal charges of wire fraud.
Robert Winston Burgett, 64, of Hueytown, was charged with three counts of wire fraud by federal authorities, according to a statement released on Friday by U.S. Attorney Prim Escalona of the Northern District of Alabama and FBI Special Agent in Charge Carlton Peeples. Burgett had been serving as Homewood's finance director until his retirement in March 2024.
Federal documents reveal that between May 2023 and March 2024, Burgett utilized his position to siphon off approximately $950,000 from city funds. His method involved transferring money from the city's accounts to a commercial bank account under his control before moving the funds into his personal account. To cover up the theft, Burgett manipulated city bank statements and made fraudulent journal entries in the city's accounting records.
Burgett reportedly used the stolen money for personal expenses.
In response to the charges, Burgett’s attorney, Tommy Spina, stated, "From the outset, Mr. Burgett has taken full responsibility for his actions, showing deep remorse and regret. He blames no one but himself."
Spina further explained that Burgett chose to waive his right to a grand jury, opting instead to sign a written plea agreement to expedite the legal process. "Today’s filing was simply a formal acknowledgment of his guilt," Spina added.
Homewood Mayor Patrick McClusky expressed his gratitude to the investigators for their swift action and assured continued cooperation from the city.
A court date for Burgett’s plea has not yet been scheduled.
The investigation was conducted by the FBI and the Homewood Police Department, with support from the Alabama Department of Examiners of Public Accounts. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney J.B. Ward.
Burgett was initially arrested by Homewood police on April 9 on a state charge of aggravated theft by deception, a charge that remains pending.
