Gibson Dunn Wins Unanimous Acquittal of Next Jump Co-Chief Executive Meghan Messenger of Charges She Bribed U.S. Navy Admiral to Obtain Federal Contract
Firm News | May 19, 2026
A federal jury in Washington, D.C. unanimously acquitted Meghan Messenger, co-chief executive of Next Jump, and her co-defendant Charlie Kim of charges alleging they had bribed Robert P. Burke, the highest-ranking four-star admiral in the United States Navy, to obtain a federal contract.
The acquittal followed a hung jury last year and a separate earlier jury trial against the admiral, who was found guilty of bribery and related offenses and subsequently sentenced to six years in prison, after a jury concluded that he had used his position in the Navy to attempt to direct military contracts to Next Jump in exchange for getting a job offer of $500,000 and equity at Next Jump.
Gibson Dunn partner Reed Brodsky, who represented Meghan Messenger, said: “The full acquittal and vindication for Meghan Messenger are a testament to the power of truth and the integrity of the American justice system. We are grateful to the jury for their careful, conscientious deliberations, and to all who stood by Meghan during this difficult chapter. She looks forward to continuing to lead Next Jump and focusing on the company’s important work.”