Selmer Police Chief placed on leave due to TBI investigation

The Tennessee Bureau of Investigation is looking into allegations of Theft and official misconduct by Selmer Chief of Police Neal Burks

Burks has been placed on administrative leave by the Selmer Mayor and Board of Aldermen pending the TBI investigation. 

The investigation comes at the request of 25th District Attorney General Mark Davidson, according to TBI public information officer Keli McAlister.

TBI agents executed a search warrant of Burks home around 7:16 pm on December 17.  Agents were looking for a cell phone held as seized property by the Selmer police department according to an affidavit of complaint filed in the McNairy County General sessions court. 

TBI agents located the phone in the bedroom closet if Burks son 39 year old Michael Burks.  Michael Burks 

Burks has been charged with theft and tampering with evidence according to a TBI press release 

The case remains an active and ongoing investigation. 

Selmer assistant chief Kim Holley has been names interim chief according to Selmer Mayor John Smith . 

Burks a retired state trooper served with the Selmer Police Department 23 years