The jury earlier Thursday convicted Eric McGowen of aggravated sexual assault of a child after deliberating about 20 minutes. He faces up to life in prison.

Gowen’s trial is the first stemming from the alleged repeated sexual assault of the girl by 20 men and boys two years ago. He wasn’t at Thursday’s proceedings because he fled during a break in testimony a day earlier.

An arrest warrant has been issued for him.

Prosecutors say McGowen and the other defendants from the small town of Cleveland sexually assaulted the girl at least five times in late 2010.

Eight people have pleaded guilty.