• D.C. Circuit Court rules Robert Burke failed to present substantial questions of law for release

• Retired four-star admiral serving six-year sentence for bribery and conspiracy charges

• Conviction stems from scheme involving government contracts and lucrative post-retirement employment

WASHINGTON, DC (TDR) — A federal appeals court has ruled that retired Adm. Robert Burke must remain in prison while he challenges his conviction on federal corruption charges. In a decision issued earlier this month, the U.S. Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia Circuit denied Burke’s motion for release pending appeal, stating the defense failed to demonstrate that the case presented a “substantial question of law or fact” that would likely lead to a reversal.

Judicial Rejection

The November 13 ruling reinforces the decision of U.S. District Judge Trevor McFadden, who had previously denied Burke’s request to stay his sentence. Burke, who once served as the Vice Chief of Naval Operations, was convicted in May 2025 on charges including bribery, conspiracy, and concealing material facts.

Prosecutors argued that Burke used his high-ranking position to steer a sole-source Navy contract to a tech company in exchange for a future job offer. The court found that the evidence presented at trial was sufficient to secure the bribery conviction, and the appellate judges saw no immediate grounds to overturn the jury’s verdict or grant a new trial.

“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.” — Statement from U.S. Attorney’s Office following sentencing

The Bribery Scheme

The charges against Burke centered on his relationship with Next Jump, a New York-based technology company. According to court documents, while serving as the commander of U.S. Naval Forces Europe-Africa, Burke met with the company’s co-CEOs to discuss potential employment after his retirement.

Evidence presented during the trial showed that Burke directed his staff to award a $355,000 contract to the company for workforce training in Italy and Spain. In return, the executives allegedly offered him a position with a starting salary of $500,000 and 100,000 stock options. Burke accepted the lucrative job in October 2022, shortly after leaving the service.

Sentencing and Appeal

In September, Judge McFadden sentenced Burke to six years in federal prison, followed by three years of supervised release. He was also ordered to pay fines and restitution totaling over $400,000. During the sentencing hearing, the judge remarked that Burke’s actions were “blatantly unlawful” and a betrayal of his oath.

Burke’s legal team, led by attorney Tim Parlatore, filed an immediate notice of appeal, arguing that the jury was prevented from hearing all relevant evidence. However, the appellate ruling means Burke will serve his time while the legal process plays out, rather than being free on bond.

Broader Implications

Burke is one of the highest-ranking U.S. military officers ever convicted of a felony committed while on active duty. His case has dra³wn significant attention to the “revolving door” between the Pentagon and private contractors. The District of Columbia courts have signaled a tough stance on public corruption, emphasizing that rank does not offer immunity from prosecution.

The Next Jump executives involved in the scheme faced separate legal proceedings. While Burke begins his sentence, the Navy continues to grapple with the reputational damage caused by the scandal, which prosecutors described as “corrosive to the integrity” of the military’s procurement system.

How might this high-profile conviction influence the post-retirement career choices of other senior military leaders?