I do not believe this is correct.
Usually, when a misdemeanor suspect doesn't show up, they just issue a bench warrant.
He was convicted in absentia, after his failure to appear, which followed 6 months in jail without raising bail.
He was finally let out on a PR bond shortly before the trial and he took off for parts unknown. He has not returned to US soil since then, not even for Patsy's funeral. (He said he wanted to go, but mourned at his home, instead.)