Four-Star Admiral’s Trial on Bribery Charges Kicks Off in D.C.

Retired four-star Navy Admiral Robert Burke’s trial on federal bribery charges—a stunning case, just given his rank—will begin with opening statements Tuesday afternoon in Washington, D.C., following jury selection that wrapped up earlier that day.

There are somewhere between 2,000 and 3,000 officers commissioned in the US Navy every year. The number of those who have what it takes to make it to a four-star admiral is approximately six, said Adam Schwartz, a white collar partner at A&O Shearman with experience handling cases involving federal contractors and in the national security industry.

The most striking thing about the allegations, ...