Admiral Robert Burke (USN-Ret.) of Coconut Creek, Florida, was convicted this week of bribery for taking a government vendor job in the future in exchange for giving the business a government contract.
After a five-day trial, a federal jury convicted Burke of conspiracy to conduct bribery, acts affecting personal financial interests, and concealing important information from the United States. Judge Trevor N. McFadden of the U.S. District Court set the sentence date for August 22, 2025.
Special Agent in Charge Greg Gross of the Naval Criminal Investigative Service (NCIS) Economic Crimes Field Office, Assistant Director in Charge Steven J. Jensen of the FBI Washington Field Office, U.S. Attorney Jeanine Ferris Pirro, and Matthew R. Galeotti, Head of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division, all announced the verdict.
“When you abuse your position and betray the public trust to line your own pockets, it undermines the confidence in the government you represent. Our office, with our law enforcement partners, will root out corruption – be it bribes or illegal contracts – and hold accountable the perpetrators, no matter what title or rank they hold,” said U.S. Attorney Pirro.
Burke was a four-star admiral who managed United States Navy activities in Europe, Russia, and the majority of Africa from the years 2020 to 2022, as evidenced by the court records and the evidence that was presented throughout the trial. He also commanded thousands of civilians and military personnel during this time period.
