The rape trial of John Jerome Speights Jr., accused of fathering a child with a 13-year-old relative, lasted merely a day.
But even that proved too long for Speights to hang around for the verdict.
During a morning break Wednesday, Speights said he was going to the bathroom, said Mark Cox, spokesman for the Hillsborough County State Attorney's Office.
At which point, Speights disappeared.
"He elected not to attend," Cox said.
Free on $60,000 bail since September 2008, Speights was not in the custody of bailiffs while at the courthouse.
"We don't have any jurisdiction over him because he's out on bail," sheriff's office spokesman Larry McKinnon said.
Despite his absence from his own trial, Speights, 45, whose aliases include "Poppa Love," was convicted of sexual battery and other charges.
A warrant has been issued for him for failure to appear.
"We're waiting for his capture so the court can set a sentencing date," Cox said.
Email
Facebook
Google
Twitter
Favorites
More
Advertisement
Advertisement