BIRMINGHAM, Ala. — A former finance director from a suburb of Birmingham has admitted to committing embezzlement, totaling nearly $1 million.

Robert Winston Burgett, aged 64, officially entered his plea on Wednesday, facing three charges of wire fraud in federal court located in Birmingham, according to local reports.

Burgett served the City of Homewood for 13 years before retiring in March. Federal documents indicate that between May 2023 and March 2024, he misappropriated around $950,000.

To conceal his actions, Burgett transferred the city’s funds into a commercial bank account that he controlled and subsequently moved the money into his personal account. Furthermore, he manipulated city bank account statements and created fraudulent journal entries in city records to disguise his fraudulent activities.

“Today, Mr. Burgett publicly acknowledged and accepted full responsibility for his actions that resulted in the defrauding of the city of Homewood,” stated his defense attorney, Tommy Spina. “He is deeply remorseful for the breach of trust he has caused to the city, its officials, and the residents he served. He understands the gravity of his actions and the impact they have had on the community.”

Sentencing has been set by U.S. District Judge Anna Manasco for February 26 of the following year.

As of now, neither the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of Alabama nor Burgett’s attorney has responded to inquiries regarding potential sentencing options or further details on the case.

Burgett was taken into custody earlier this year in association with the alleged offenses.