>and had arguably some reason to miss payments?

How was the court meant to know that? keeping in mind that article was from 1990 and it was a lot harder to share information.

It sounds like the court was sympathetic and he was freed as soon as practicable:

>Sherrill called a family member, who contacted the chief district judge, Sol Cherry. Cherry called the jail and ordered Sherrill's release. He was freed about 7:30 p.m.