A depiction of the challenging conditions in Orleans Parish Justice Center related to a jailbreak incident.
Darriana Burton, a former employee of the Orleans Parish Sheriff’s Office, has been arrested for her alleged involvement in aiding inmates’ escape from the Orleans Parish Justice Center. Burton is associated with one of the escapees and faces felony charges. This incident follows a jailbreak where ten inmates escaped, with two still at large. Authorities are investigating further connections and have offered a reward for information on the remaining fugitives, while also critiquing local leadership for their handling of the situation.
New Orleans – A former employee of the Orleans Parish Sheriff’s Office has been arrested for her alleged role in assisting inmates to escape from the Orleans Parish Justice Center. Darriana Burton, 28, was taken into custody by U.S. Marshals in New Orleans. She faces charges of conspiracy to commit simple escape, classified as a felony.
Burton, who served as a jail employee from August 2022 until her termination in March 2023, is known to be the girlfriend of Derrick Groves, one of the inmates who escaped during a jailbreak on May 16. The high-profile incident saw ten inmates flee from custody, with eight of them recaptured, leaving Groves and Antoine Massey still at large. Authorities are actively searching for the remaining escapees and have offered a $50,000 reward for information leading to their capture.
The jail break was reportedly facilitated by inmates who managed to pull open a faulty cell door, remove a toilet, and crawl through a hole in the wall. Communication between Burton and Groves before the escape included a FaceTime video call discussing escape plans. This connection has led investigators to determine the extent of her involvement in the incident.
In the days following the jailbreak, at least 16 individuals have been arrested for their roles in aiding the escapees. Among those recaptured is Lenton Vanburen, who described the conditions within the jail as dangerous and dehumanizing. Reports revealed that inmates were experiencing unsanitary conditions, including drinking brown or cloudy water shortly before the jailbreak.
Burton’s prior arrest for bringing contraband into the jail resulted in charges that were eventually dropped. The relationship between Burton and Groves has been characterized as “on-again, off-again” for three years, according to authorities. This history may have influenced her alleged actions leading to the escape.
In a separate development, a video that went viral featured a man claiming to be Massey, prompting SWAT teams to conduct searches in areas linked to the escapees. During one of these searches on Agriculture Street, clothing worn by Massey was discovered, intensifying the manhunt for the remaining fugitives.
As law enforcement continues its investigation, many have criticized New Orleans Mayor LaToya Cantrell for her absence from the city during the manhunt. Her unavailability has drawn public scrutiny, raising questions about leadership during a critical time for public safety in the area.
Burton’s arrest was executed by agents from the Louisiana Bureau of Investigation in coordination with the U.S. Marshals after a warrant was issued on May 27. The ongoing search for Groves and Massey remains a top priority for law enforcement as they work to restore security in the community and ensure that no further escapes can occur.
The unfolding situation highlights the challenges faced by facilities like the Orleans Parish Justice Center, where conditions during incarceration have been called into question and the implication of staff involved in facilitating such actions presents serious concerns for public safety and trust in the judicial system.
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