Law enforcement agencies are on high alert as they search for two inmates who escaped from Orleans Justice Center.
Authorities in New Orleans are offering a combined reward of up to $50,000 for the capture of two inmates, Antoine Massey and Derrick Groves, who escaped from the Orleans Justice Center. Despite eight of the ten escapees being recaptured, Massey and Groves remain at large. The escape, believed to involve extensive planning, has prompted investigations into security lapses at the facility, including faulty locks and inadequate staffing. Governor Jeff Landry has condemned the jailbreak, while Orleans Parish Sheriff Susan Hutson has acknowledged her responsibility for the security failures.
New Orleans – Authorities are offering a combined reward of up to $50,000 for the capture of two inmates, Antoine Massey and Derrick Groves, who escaped from the Orleans Justice Center on May 16. The FBI New Orleans and Crimestoppers of Greater New Orleans have increased their rewards to $20,000 for each inmate, and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) is contributing an additional $10,000 for each as well.
As of today, eight of the ten escapees have been recaptured, leaving Massey and Groves still unaccounted for after nearly two weeks on the run. Authorities continue to actively pursue leads to apprehend them and have expressed confidence in their eventual capture. Louisiana State Police and other agencies are closely monitoring the situation and report that they are making progress in narrowing down the search, particularly within the city.
Public cooperation has played a vital role in this ongoing effort, with tips leading to the recapture of three inmates and subsequent arrests of individuals suspected of assisting the escapees. Six individuals have been arrested on charges related to helping Massey and Groves throughout their escape plan, which is believed to have involved extensive planning.
Prior to their escape, maintenance worker Sterling Williams was charged for allegedly aiding the inmates by disabling the water supply to their cell, allowing them to remove a toilet and escape through a hole they made in the wall. Their escape route included instructions traced on the wall, with noted messages indicating that their successful exit was easier than anticipated. They ultimately fled the facility through a loading dock area.
Massey is known for his history of escape attempts and was incarcerated while awaiting trial for serious offenses, including domestic abuse and theft. On the other hand, Groves had previously pleaded guilty to two counts of manslaughter and was scheduled for sentencing in July. Investigators are delving into the conditions that allowed these inmates to escape, highlighting issues such as faulty locks, inadequate staffing, and the absence of surveillance in some areas of the jail.
At the time of the escape, reports indicated that no sheriff’s deputy was assigned to the area from which the inmates fled, and many surveillance cameras were out of service. Additionally, the Orleans Parish Sheriff’s Office has acknowledged ongoing plumbing issues and flooding challenges within the jail, further complicating security measures. Critically, the Louisiana Attorney General has pointed to broader systemic problems contributing to situations like this, including overcrowding and sluggish court proceedings in the justice system.
Governor Jeff Landry has condemned the incident as one of the worst jailbreaks in the state’s history, ordering the removal of remaining inmates from the state Department of Corrections still housed at the facility. The Attorney General has advocated for necessary changes in jail conditions and procedures to enhance public safety and prevent similar occurrences in the future.
In light of the escape, Orleans Parish Sheriff Susan Hutson has recognized her responsibility for security lapses at the facility and has chosen to temporarily suspend her reelection campaign to focus on improving safety and accountability measures. The ongoing investigation continues to unfold as authorities remain determined to bring Massey and Groves back into custody.
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