Jackson burglary suspect gets five years' probation

A Jackson man who left blood evidence at the scene of a burglary will be on probation for five years, Judge Benjamin Lewis decided Monday.

Travis L. Burke, 30, has repaid the $36 he stole in the robbery and told Lewis he was sorry for his crime. "He has an alcohol problem he has battled most of his adult life," attorney Allen Moss said on behalf of his client.

DNA testing was the conclusive evidence against Burke. He burglarized an apartment at 1101 K-Land Drive in Jackson on Nov. 24, 2004.

He was living in the building at the time and was the only tenant who did not go to work on the day of the burglary. Officers found blood on a notebook and a curtain in the apartment. When they searched Burke's apartment, officers found numerous items with blood on them including the $36.

"I am very, very sorry for my action," Burke told Lewis.

If Burke violates his probation, he could face up to seven years in prison. Lewis warned him to take care of the alcohol problem and to follow the rules.

Burke won't like a return visit to the courtroom, Lewis warned. "At that point, I would have very little concern for you," he said.