Retired Adm. Robert P. Burke, once the Navy’s second-highest officer, was sentenced Tuesday to six years in prison for steering a contract to a private firm in exchange for a post-retirement job, according to a Department of Justice (DOJ) news release.
Following a May trial, a jury convicted Burke of bribery, conspiracy, making false statements, and violating conflict-of-interest laws. U.S. District Court Judge Trevor McFadden also ordered him to serve three years of supervised release and pay $322,850 in restitution and $86,748.08 in forfeiture.
Court documents show that in July 2021, Burke, then commanding U.S. Naval Forces Europe and Africa, met with training firm Next Jump executives who sought to revive the company’s business with the Navy.
The meeting came after the Navy had terminated a multimillion-dollar pilot contract with Next Jump in 2019 due to poor performance.
At the meeting, Burke and the company executives reportedly agreed that he would use his position to steer a contract to the company in exchange for future employment.
In December 2021, Burke directed his staff to award the company a $355,000 contract to train personnel in Italy and Spain, which was completed in January 2022. He then assisted the company in securing another contract and made false statements to the Navy, including misrepresenting the timing of employment discussions and omitting information on required government ethics forms, to conceal the scheme.
Burke retired from the U.S. Navy in June 2022 after a 40-year career. In October of that year, he joined Next Jump with a $500,000 salary and 100,000 stock options, leaving the company in early 2023.
“Integrity — not cash — is the currency of public service. Admiral Burke rose to the pinnacle of the U.S. Navy, entrusted with leadership and honor. But instead of leading by example, he cashed in that trust — turning four stars into dollar signs and trading duty for a corporate payday,” said U.S. Attorney Pirro. “Today’s sentence sends a clear message: if you sell your honor and trade your influence, you’ll pay the price — in prison time.”
Burke previously served as vice chief of naval operations from 2019 to 2020 before taking command of naval forces in Europe and Africa.
Apparently this isn’t the case with other politicians who peddle their power and influence after retirement where they go to work for a company that has lobbied influence to vote their way. If honor and integrity are required in our military it should also be required for all politicians.
Political Representatives are so beyond being held accountable, are you mad!