Admitted Stealing More Than $100,000 From The City

The man who once was the manager of the South St. Paul Airport (KSGS) in Minnesota has pleaded guilty to six felonies in Dakota County District Court.

Glenn C. Burke (pictured) pleaded guilty Wednesday to four felony counts of theft by temporary control and two felony counts of theft by swindle in the case. One count of theft by swindle was dismissed.

Burke stole nearly $109,000 between 2009 and 2015. He would deposit checks made out to the city into an unauthorized bank account and later withdraw it for his personal use, according to court documents.

However, Burke won't spend much time in jail for his crimes. The Minneapolis Star Tribune reports that Dakota County Judge Martha Simonett sentenced him to only 90 days in jail, but 10 years probation. He was also ordered to pay $132,012.23 in restitution.

While Burke has reserved the right to challenge the total amount of restitution, Dakota County Attorney James Backstrom said in a statement that it is the city's intent to "recover full restitution for the significant financial loss that occurred."

Burke is currently on unpaid leave from his position as manager of the Anoka County-Blaine Airport and the Crystal Airport, which are owned by the Metropolitan Airports Commission (MAC). The MAC hired Burke away from South St. Paul airport, which is owned by the city, in 2015. His status with the MAC is "under review", according to commission spokesman Patrick Hogan.

(Image provided by Dakota County, MN)

FMI: www.co.dakota.mn.us/LawJustice/DistrictCourts