JACKSON, Tenn. — John "Flipper Burks was scheduled to have a preliminary
hearing Thursday but instead was allowed to enter a plea.

Burks faced charges after he reportedly put a tracking device on a Jackson
woman's car.

A witness reported seeing Burks put something under a wheel well of a car
while it was parked in the lot at the Jackson LIFT.  Police say a review of
security camera footage showed Burks had allegedly done this on three
separate occasions.

The Milan High School principal appeared in General Sessions court
Thursday where he was going to hear evidence in the state’s case against
him.

Instead Burks entered what’s known as a best-interest plea.

The plea will allow him to avoid jail time.  Instead, Burks will pay a
$500 fine.  If no other incidents are reported over the next 11 months and
29 days, this incident will be expunged from his record. 

Burks, who at one time worked for the Jackson Madison County School System
withdrew a letter requesting to be considered for the position of Director
of Schools for Jackson Madison County after charges were filed in this
incident.

Milan Special School District Director of Schools, Jonathan Criswell, said
at this point  he’s unable to comment about Burks’ future with the
district.