Staff Writer

A Union man was tried in his absence and found guilty Wednesday on two drug charges.

Donald Johnson, 40, of 194 Johnson Road was found guilty of distribution of crack and distribution of crack within one-half mile of a school or park. Arrest warrants said Johnson sold crack to an undercover informant with the public safety department on South Church Street on Oct. 31.

At the time of Johnson's arrest, on Dec. 1, 2007, Chief Sam White said a drug roundup was conducted to quell unrest caused by the shooting death of 18-year-old Quentin Jeter. Jeter's death remains under investigation by the public safety department and no arrests have been made.

Johnson was in court Tuesday before his trial started. He told a court official he wanted to speak to a friend, left the courtroom and hasn't been seen since.

The case was prosecuted by Deputy Solicitor John Anthony.

According to the solicitor's office, Johnson's sentence has been sealed and a bench warrant has been issued for his arrest. If he is located this week, he will be brought back before Circuit Judge John C. Hayes III. If he is located after court ends Friday, he will be held in the Union County Jail until the next term of court.