Cops are looking for a man who didn't want to go to jail after his trial in Orleans Parish Criminal Court.  No one stopped Teddy Magee from fleeing the courthouse after his conviction was announced.

"After the jury rendered its verdict, the defendant fled the courtroom and was allowed to escape from the courthouse.  He is presently at-large," District Attorney's Office Spokesman Christopher Bowman said in a news release.  "The defendant will be sentenced when he is taken back into custody."

He says the 32-year-old defendant was on trial for sexual battery.

"The defendant, who had a prior romantic relationship with the victim, saw the victim out with another man.  The defendant confronted the victim and threatened her," Bowman explained.  "As the victim was preparing for work at her home in the 4100 block of Encampment Street the next morning, the defendant forced his way into the victim's bathroom.  He proceeded to punch, kick, and strangle her.  The defendant then forced his fist into the victim's vagina and anus causing massive trauma."

Monday night a jury found the defendant guilty as charged.

Bowman says Magee has a lengthy criminal history that includes possession of cocaine, and attempted possession with the intent to distribute cocaine.    The D.A.'s office says Magee was on probation when he was arrested for the sexual battery, but "Judge Arthur Hunter lifted the defendant's probation hold, and he was released from prison on a $10,000 bond."

Bowman says they hope to lock Magee up for a long time now.

"The DA's office will file a Multiple Bill and seek to have the defendant sentenced pursuant to the state's habitual offender law.  As a fourth time offender, state law mandates that the defendant be sentenced to a term of incarceration of 20 years to life."