Burglar whose judge was former classmate released from jail

MIAMI, Fla. (KABC) -- It was an amazing reunion for a Florida judge and a defendant who once appeared in her courtroom.

Judge Mindy Glazer was presiding over a bond hearing for 49-year-old Arthur Booth after he was arrested for burglary in Hialeah on June 29.

When he stood before her, the judge and defendant realized they were once classmates in middle school.

"Mr. Booth, I have a question for you," said Glazer.

"Yes ma'am," answered Booth.

"Did you go to Nautilus for middle school?" she asked.

"Oh my goodness," answered Booth as he broke down in tears.

MORE: Florida burglary suspect cries when he realizes judge is former classmate

The two met again under much different circumstances, as Booth was released from jail on a special court program after serving nearly 10 months behind bars.

Glazer was waiting for Booth as he left jail and greeted him with a hug, but also stern words.

"You're going to take care of your family, get a job, and stay clean," Glazer told Booth. "You're going to do something good for someone else."

"This is a group effort to see you succeed. Don't let us down," she continued.

Booth said he wants to make his former classmate and his family proud.

"She's an inspiration and motivation to me right now, just seeing Mindy is incredible," Booth said. "Because I know where I could've been, but I'm not giving up on life, it's just a new leaf on life for me right now."