The AP reports that Patre Eugene Williams faced 30 years in prison for selling cocaine within 1000 feet of school property. With the trial winding down, Williams couldn’t bear to wait and see what the verdict would be. So, he asked for a recess and fled the courtroom.

Judge Thompson gave Williams 15 minutes to return, then said, “We’re going to finish the trial without him.”

The two sides presented closing arguments, and the jury returned after 30 minutes with the verdict.

Although he certainly acted like it, he was found not guilty. The Judge didn’t bother issuing a bench warrant, and Williams was not found in contempt.