Robert Burgett, the former finance director of Homewood, Alabama, has pleaded guilty to embezzling nearly $950,000 from the city. The theft occurred in the days leading up to his retirement in March. Burgett, 63, was arrested in April and charged with aggravated theft by deception, a Class A felony. The investigation began when irregularities in the movement of city funds were noticed. The FBI and Jefferson County District Attorney’s Office assisted in the probe. Burgett transferred the stolen funds into a commercial bank account he controlled. The city has since taken steps to recover the misappropriated funds and is reviewing how the misappropriations occurred. The case highlights the importance of financial transparency and accountability in public institutions.