New Orleans Jail Maintenance Worker Charged with Involvement in Jailbreak
A maintenance worker at a New Orleans jail has been charged with assisting in the escape of ten inmates late last week, marking a significant development in the ongoing investigation surrounding the jailbreak. The individual, identified as 33-year-old Sterling Williams, faces ten counts of principal to simple escape along with one count of malfeasance in office, according to a statement from Louisiana Attorney General Liz Murrill.
The incident took place around 1 a.m. on May 16, when the group of ten inmates broke free from the Orleans Justice Center. Investigators quickly suspected internal assistance in the escape, leading to the suspension of three other employees from the Orleans Parish jail without pay. Williams is the first individual formally charged in connection with the jailbreak.
According to the attorney general’s office, Williams received directives from one of the escapees, who allegedly threatened him to cut the water supply to a specific cell. Instead of notifying his colleagues of the unusual request, Williams complied, allowing the inmates to make their way through a hole behind a toilet, ultimately facilitating their escape.
As of the latest reports, six of the ten escapees remain at large. These individuals include Antoine Massey, Lenton Vanburen, Jermaine Donald, Leo Tate, Derrick Groves, and Corey Boyd. The authorities quickly apprehended three inmates—Kendell Myles, Robert Moody, and Dkenan Dennis—within 24 hours of the breakout. A fourth escapee, Gary Price, was captured on the following Monday in New Orleans East.
The gravity of the situation has drawn significant media attention and calls for transparency. Local government officials, including Attorney General Murrill, emphasized their commitment to a thorough investigation, promising to pursue all individuals who may have played a role in the jailbreak. Murrill stated that the investigation is ongoing and that updates would be provided frequently.
The incident has raised questions about security protocols within the facility, as well as the potential for collusion among staff members. Authorities are likely to scrutinize not only the actions of Williams but also the broader operational practices within the Orleans Justice Center to prevent future occurrences.
As the investigation unfolds, law enforcement is urging the community to remain vigilant and report any information related to the remaining escapees, hoping to bring them back into custody promptly.
