YOUNGSTOWN - More than three years after authorities say a private plane flew too close to the press box of a YSU home football game, a judge has issued a warrant for the arrest of the pilot.

Judge Carla Baldwin on Wednesday issued a bench warrant after Christopher Wilkinson failed to show up for his trial on misdemeanor charges of unsafe operation of an aircraft, inducing panic and disorderly conduct.

Wilkinson's attorney told the judge that his client didn't appear because they needed more time to discuss the case since another lawyer who was acting as co-counsel withdrew from the case.  Judge Baldwin said that the discussion should have taken place before Wednesday's hearing.

In November 2019, authorities charged Wilkinson after he allegedly flew a single-engine Cessna close to the press box and Stambaugh stadium lights while fans were watching the September 28 game against Robert Morris.

Prosecutors say Wilkinson flew well below 1000 feet above ground level.

Wilkinson's lawyer has claimed that it should have been up to the Federal Aviation Administration to prosecute Wilkinson, not the city.  Judge Baldwin denied that claim earlier.

On Monday, Judge Baldwin denied Wikinson’s motion to continue the trial and set a plea hearing. Instead the judge ordered the trial to begin on Wednesday.

Wilkinson's attorney is expected to file a motion to have the warrant lifted.

According to FAA records, Wilkinson is a commercial pilot licensed to fly private planes and land multi-engine aircraft.