A Greenville judge last week dismissed a lawsuit against creators of the TV show "Live PD" and the Greenville County Sheriff's Office after the plaintiff didn't appear for a court hearing, documents show.

Deputies on April 29, 2017 arrested Frederick West as "Live PD" cameras captured the moment for the national television network A&E. His criminal charge was dismissed on Oct. 8, 2018, and he filed the lawsuit seven months later alleging false arrest, defamation and invasion of privacy.

Greenville Circuit Court Judge Edward Miller dismissed the complaint Feb. 27 after West didn't appear for a hearing in Greenville County that was called to discuss motions to dismiss the case.

West's attorney last November withdrew from the case, court records show.

Attorneys for the Sheriff's Office in court filings said deputies acted within their duties, stopping West and a group of his friends as they stood outside Crestview Apartments in plain view after the deputies noticed the smell of marijuana.

Deputies found drugs in a nearby bush and arrested West and his friends.

Sheriff's Office attorneys said West used the opportunity of his televised arrest, "to 'shout-out' recognition to his romantic interests." They said West also provided his Snapchat username and solicited followers.

Attorneys for A&E said the show cited a fair report privilege.

The privilege protects against liability when reporting information from a public official or documents, including information that could be defamatory.

Attorneys also said West's name, likeness and identity were not used for commercial use and that nothing private about him was disclosed.

"Our clients are pleased with the outcome," Meliah Jefferson, an attorney for A&E and Big Fish Entertainment, told the News.

West's attorney did not respond to a call for comment.

This wasn't the first time the Sheriff's Office was sued along with "Live PD."

Javonte Hall sued the show in July of 2018 after he said he was racially profiled during an incident that was captured by "Live PD" cameras. Although Hall wasn't charged with a crime, he said his reputation was ruined and it made it difficult to find a good job.

Hall in January received at least $9,000 in a settlement, The Greenville News reported.

Haley Walters covers public safety, crime and breaking news. Email her at hwalters@gannett.com and follow her on Twitter @_haleywalters