JOLIET, Illinois–Drowsy spectators in one suburban Chicago courtroom might want to stifle their yawns from now on.
A 33-year-old man is facing six months in jail for yawning in Will County Judge Daniel Rozak's court last month.
The disturbance happened as Clifton Williams' cousin, Jason Mayfield, was being sentenced for a drug charge on July 23.
A prosecutor who was in the courtroom described the offending yawn as "a very loud, boisterous" attempt to disrupt the proceedings.
But Mayfield disagreed, saying it was "not an outrageous yawn."
Rozak found Williams in contempt of court and sentenced him to six months in jail. However, Rozak could free Williams after a status hearing Thursday, if he apologizes and the judge accepts.