The highest-ranking U.S. military officer ever convicted of a federal crime just found out how fast you can go from commanding naval forces to facing 30 years behind bars for taking bribes.
At a Glance
- Retired four-star Admiral Robert P. Burke was convicted on four felony counts including bribery and conspiracy
- Burke abused his Navy position to steer a $355,000 contract to a company that offered him a $500,000 yearly salary and stock options
- As the Navy’s second-highest ranking officer, Burke commanded naval forces in Europe, Russia, and most of Africa during the bribery scheme
- U.S. Attorney Jeanine Pirro prosecuted the case, emphasizing that no one is above the law regardless of rank
- Burke faces up to 30 years in prison with sentencing scheduled for August
Another High-Ranking Officer Falls from Grace
Remember when military officers used to be symbols of honor and integrity? Retired four-star Admiral Robert P. Burke clearly doesn’t. In a stunning display of corruption that would make even the most shameless politicians blush, Burke was just convicted of using his prestigious Navy position to steer contracts to a company that promised him a cushy post-retirement gig. The verdict sends a clear message that even someone who once commanded naval forces across Europe, Russia, and Africa isn’t above the law – though apparently, he thought he was.
Burke’s fall from grace is particularly dramatic considering his former status. Until his retirement in 2022, he served as the Navy’s second-highest-ranking officer. Now he’s achieved a new distinction: the highest-ranking U.S. military officer ever convicted of a federal crime. The jury found him guilty on four felony counts, including conspiracy to commit bribery, bribery itself, performing acts affecting personal financial interest, and concealing material facts – basically a full corruption bingo card.
The $500,000 Mistake
What’s the going rate for a four-star admiral’s integrity these days? Apparently, $500,000 per year plus 100,000 stock options. That’s the compensation package “Company A” dangled in front of Burke in exchange for him steering a lucrative Navy contract their way. The scheme was hatched in July 2021 when Burke met with co-conspirators Yongchul “Charlie” Kim and Meghan Messenger. Shortly thereafter, Burke ordered a $355,000 contract be awarded to the company before he sailed off into retirement, clearly expecting his “investment” to pay dividends.
“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.” Ms. Pirro said.
The prosecution of this case by interim U.S. Attorney Jeanine Pirro shows that the justice system occasionally works as intended. Known for her tough stance on corruption, Pirro made it clear that Burke’s distinguished military career wouldn’t shield him from accountability. It’s refreshing to see someone actually draining the swamp instead of just talking about it, even if it’s just one corrupt admiral at a time. Meanwhile, Burke’s co-conspirators Kim and Messenger are still awaiting their own day in court on bribery charges.
Defense Already Planning Appeal
Like any good defendant with deep pockets and connections, Burke isn’t going down without a fight. His attorney, Timothy Parlatore, is already planning to appeal the verdict. In typical defense attorney fashion, he’s claiming the jury didn’t get the whole story due to evidence restrictions. It’s the classic “context” defense – as if there’s some magical context where taking half a million dollars to steer government contracts becomes perfectly acceptable behavior.
“We’re disappointed with the verdict, but we are planning to appeal – and I think that there’s a viable appeal here.” Burke’s attorney, Timothy Parlatore, told The Post.
Parlatore even went so far as to criticize the investigative agencies involved, suggesting they lack proper training and ethics. That’s rich coming from the defense team of a man who just got convicted of selling his influence for personal gain. Burke now faces up to 30 years in federal prison, with sentencing scheduled for August. From commanding naval forces to potentially commanding a prison cell – now that’s what I call a demotion. Perhaps he can console himself with the knowledge that he’s made history, just not in the way he probably hoped.
