News Summary
Three inmates from the Orleans Justice Center have been recaptured following a jailbreak, but two are still at large, raising significant safety concerns. The escape highlighted serious gaps in jail oversight. Authorities announced a $20,000 reward for information leading to the remaining fugitives, who are deemed dangerous. Additionally, several individuals, including a jail worker, have been implicated in assisting the escapees. The event has prompted calls for increased accountability and a thorough review of jail security measures.
New Orleans – In a significant jailbreak incident, three inmates from the Orleans Justice Center have been captured after escaping on May 16, 2025. The escape has raised serious concerns about safety and jail oversight as officials intensify their search for two remaining fugitives who are considered extremely dangerous.
Captured escapees include Jermaine Donald (42), who was serving time for second-degree murder and other crimes, Leo Tate (31), incarcerated for burglary and firearms charges, and Lenton Vanburen (26). The Texas Department of Public Safety apprehended Donald and Tate during a traffic stop in Walker County, Texas. Vanburen was arrested shortly thereafter in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, by local police.
Following their capture, all three individuals are expected to face additional charges related to their escape from custody. Meanwhile, two other inmates, Derrick Groves and Antoine Massey, remain at large, and law enforcement agencies are treating them as armed and extremely dangerous. Authorities have announced a reward of up to $20,000 for information leading to their capture.
Assistance in the Escape
Authorities have also identified 13 individuals, including inmates and a jail maintenance worker, who allegedly assisted the escapees. The maintenance worker, Sterling Williams, is accused of facilitating the jailbreak by cutting off water to a toilet which allowed the inmates to create a hole in the wall of their cell. According to an affidavit, Williams was reportedly threatened by one of the inmates to assist in the escape, although his lawyer contests this claim.
The inmates executed their escape plan by breaking through faulty sliding cell doors, creating an opening in the bathroom wall, and scaling over a barbed-wire fence using blankets. Investigators believe multiple failures within the facility contributed to the jailbreak, leading to calls for accountability and thorough investigations.
Legal Consequences and Community Safety Concerns
In connection with the escape, high bonds have been set for those arrested for their involvement, with some accused of providing food and transportation to the escapees facing multi-million dollar bonds due to the severity of their alleged actions.
Orleans Parish District Attorney Jason Williams has expressed concern about community safety and the implications of the jailbreak on ongoing cases tied to other escapees. The incident has prompted Louisiana Governor Jeff Landry to take action, highlighting critical concerns regarding staffing and oversight at the Orleans Justice Center.
Investigation Developments
Surveillance footage played a vital role in piecing together the events leading to the jailbreak, helping investigators connect various insights and leads during the ongoing investigation. Officials remain focused on the immediate apprehension of Groves and Massey, working diligently to increase community safety following this alarming incident.
As of now, the search continues for the remaining fugitives, with authorities reminding the public to remain vigilant. Officials stress the importance of reporting any information that could lead to the capture of the escapees, reiterating that community cooperation is crucial in restoring safety and security following this major breach of the justice system.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Nine Arrested in Orleans Justice Center Jailbreak Case
Manhunt Continues for Escapees from New Orleans Jail
Manhunt Underway for Inmates Who Escaped Orleans Parish Jail
Intensified Search for Escaped Inmates in New Orleans
Calls for Resignation After Jailbreak in New Orleans
New Orleans Jail Inmate Escape Leads to Multiple Arrests
Arrests Made in New Orleans Jailbreak Investigation
Memorial Day Weekend in New Orleans Offers Diverse Events
Inmate Arrested for Aiding Jailbreak in New Orleans
Dramatic Jailbreak at Orleans Parish Correctional Facility
Additional Resources
- WWLTV: New Orleans Jail Escape
- Fox News: Arrests in New Orleans Jail Escape
- USA Today: New Orleans Jailbreak Capture
- NewsNation: Inmate Charged in New Orleans Jailbreak
- ABC News: Facial Recognition in Search for Escapees
- Wikipedia: New Orleans
