News Summary
Thomas Burns, CEO of SP Global, has been sentenced to four years in prison for his role in Virginia’s largest wage theft case, impacting 42 employees. He was ordered to pay over $1 million in restitution to eight affected workers, while others pursue a lawsuit. This significant case highlights the serious consequences of wage theft and reinforces the need for corporate accountability.
Virginia has been the scene of a significant legal outcome as Thomas Burns, the CEO of SP Global, has been sentenced for his involvement in the state’s largest-ever wage theft case. Burns received a four-year prison sentence, of which one year has been suspended, for his actions that cost employees over $5 million in unpaid wages.
As part of the sentence, Burns will pay more than $1 million in restitution to eight former employees who were among the victims of this wage theft. The restitution agreement amounts to a total of $1,070,429.21, which these employees opted to accept. In contrast, the remaining 34 workers have chosen to pursue a pending lawsuit against SP Global.
The case was disclosed by Commonwealth’s Attorney Steve Descano on September 22, 2025. According to the attorney, the situation was particularly severe, affecting a total of 42 workers who were deprived of salaries over several months. The employees were misled into believing their unpaid wages would be resolved due to complications with international banking and restrictions tied to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Burns was charged with two counts of wage theft exceeding $10,000 and one count of conspiracy to commit wage theft. By not compensating his employees starting in October 2020, he set a troubling precedent in the region’s labor laws. Descano pointed out the profound impact of wage theft, emphasizing that it represents a crime that can cause devastating effects on the victims and their families.
SP Global, which specialized in technology implementation, seemingly ceased payment to its workforce without warning. This abrupt end to compensation led many workers to endure financial hardships, bearing the strain of unpaid labor during a challenging economic period spurred by the pandemic’s repercussions.
Prior to the sentencing, the case had drawn attention not only for the sum involved, which is the largest recorded in Virginia, but also for the ongoing implications it presents towards corporate responsibility and ethical practices in employment standards. Such high-profile cases serve as a reminder that wage theft is not only a legal issue but a moral one that affects livelihoods and can lead to serious consequences for companies and their leadership.
As the case unfolds, the ongoing lawsuit filed by the remaining workers may shed further light on the practices within SP Global, along with additional ramifications for the company’s operations and its leadership’s responsibilities towards its employees.
In conclusion, the sentencing of Thomas Burns marks a critical point in Virginia’s legal framework, addressing wage theft and reinforcing the notion that such crimes will not go unpunished. The overall impact of this case may encourage stricter enforcement of labor laws and foster a greater awareness of the rights of workers within the state and beyond.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
- Wall Street Journal
- Wikipedia: Wage Theft
- NBC News
- Google Search: Wage Theft Laws
- Reuters
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Labor Law
- Forbes
- Google News: Wage Theft Virginia
Author: STAFF HERE WILLIAMSBURG WRITER
WILLIAMSBURG STAFF WRITER The WILLIAMSBURG STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREWilliamsburg.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Williamsburg, James City County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Williamsburg Farmers Market, Yorktown Market Days, and Busch Gardens Food & Wine Festival. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Greater Williamsburg Chamber of Commerce and Colonial Williamsburg Foundation, plus leading businesses in education and hospitality that power the local economy such as College of William & Mary, The Williamsburg Winery, and Sodexo. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREVirginiaBeach.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Virginia's dynamic landscape.
