State auditors continue probe of Homewood finances following discovery of massive theft

State auditors are continuing their investigation into the financial practices of the City of Homewood following the discovery of a massive theft by former finance director Robert Winston Burgett. Burgett, 64, pleaded guilty to embezzling nearly $950,000 from the city’s bank accounts between May 2023 and March 2024. He used his position to move city funds into a commercial bank account he controlled, then transferred the funds to his personal account. Burgett also altered city bank statements and made false journal entries in city accounting records. The FBI, Homewood Police Department, and the Alabama Department of Examiners of Public Accounts investigated the case, which was exposed by the ABC 33/40 News I-Team’s report on questionable credit card spending by the city. The investigation led to the discovery of the embezzlement, and Burgett faces up to 20 years in prison and a $250,000 fine. The city has expressed gratitude to the investigating agencies for their swift and thorough work and will continue to cooperate in any further investigations.

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