Freddie Thompson, Robbery Suspect, Escapes in Courthouse Switcheroo; Cops Catch on Too Late

NEW YORK (CBS) What's the easiest way to get out of jail? If you're Freddie Thompson and you're facing robbery charges - serious ones - the best way is to swap your charges for those of another inmate.

Police say that's what 35-year-old Freddie Thompson from Staten Island did according to the New York Post.

Thompson was charged in connection to five robberies on Tuesday and was set to be arraigned Wednesday, said the Post.

Before Thompson's case was called, the case of a man facing marijuana charges was brought to court.  Thompson pretended he was the suspect in the marijuana case, and walked out of his cell and into the courtroom - where he pleaded guilty to the other man's less serious charges. Thompson was sentenced to time served, and walked out of the Staten Island criminal courthouse a free(ish) man.

Authorities didn't even realize the mistake for about 90 minutes, said the Post. Thompson is still missing, and anyone with information about Thompson's whereabouts is asked to call the NYPD's Crime Stoppers Hotline at 800-577-TIPS (8477).