PONTIAC - A man who said he wanted to make sure his daughter got a nice prom has pleaded guilty to stealing televisions.

Manual Gaines, 36, was arrested Nov. 20 after he was chased by police following a burglary at Rent-A-Center, 5 Vermilion Plaza. Police were patrolling the area when they heard breaking glass and saw a van parked near the business.

Police chased the van onto Interstate 55; it later was abandoned near the intersection of Livingston County roads 13190 East and 1600 North. It contained more than $10,000 worth of plasma screen televisions.

Police found Gaines hiding in a nearby field.

On Monday before Livingston County Circuit Judge Harold Frobish, Gaines pleaded guilty to two counts of burglary, two counts of aggravated fleeing, one count of reckless driving and possession of less than 15 grams of a controlled substance.

Court documents revealed a hand-written letter from Gaines to Frobish, saying he committed the burglary in order to provide a good experience for his 17-year-old daughter, including high school graduation pictures and a nice prom.

"Your honor, she really deserves it," the letter said. "You have my word that I will not do anything, I mean absolutely anything else to myself, innocent people and most definitely not putting my family through this ever again."

Gaines suggested that he receive two to three years of felony probation.

A sentencing hearing will be held on Feb. 11. The case originally was set for a jury trial.

Police said the van was stolen from Bloomington, and its license plates were stolen from Harvey.