Graffiti left by escapees highlights the security flaws at Orleans Justice Center.
A maintenance worker in New Orleans has been arrested following a jailbreak that allowed ten inmates to escape from the Orleans Justice Center. Reports indicate the inmates removed a toilet to gain access to a maintenance area, aided by the worker who allegedly turned off the water supply under duress. While five inmates have been recaptured, five remain at large, prompting an investigation into the facility’s security measures. The sheriff has accepted responsibility for the incident, raising concerns about procedural failures and systemic issues.
New Orleans – A 33-year-old maintenance worker, Sterling Williams, has been arrested for his alleged role in a jailbreak that led to the escape of ten inmates from the Orleans Justice Center. The escape occurred in the early hours of Friday morning, raising significant concerns regarding security measures at the facility.
Authorities report that the escape was facilitated when inmates broke through defective locks and removed a toilet from a wall to gain access to a maintenance area. Williams was arrested on Monday night after he confessed to turning off the water supply in the escape cell, reportedly under threats from an inmate wielding a homemade weapon described as a “shank.”
Williams faces ten counts of “principal to simple escape” and one count of “malfeasance in office,” as confirmed by Louisiana Attorney General Liz Murrill. Following the escape, five of the ten inmates were recaptured, including individuals identified as Corey Boyd, Gary Price, Kendell Myles, Robert Moody, and Dkenan Dennis. These inmates have since been transferred to the Louisiana State Penitentiary.
However, five inmates remain at large, facing serious charges ranging from murder to armed robbery. The escapees reportedly left behind graffiti stating “To [sic] Easy LoL” in the area they fled from, taunting jail staff and indicating the ease of their escape.
The Louisiana State Police are currently investigating the incident and have urged anyone who may have assisted the inmates to come forward, warning that failure to do so could lead to further legal consequences for those involved.
The jailbreak involved a series of strategic actions by the inmates, including cutting through steel bars and using blankets to scale the facility’s perimeter wall. The escape went undetected until a routine headcount revealed that several inmates were missing, igniting questions about the effectiveness of existing security protocols.
Sheriff Susan Hutson has publicly accepted responsibility for the jailbreak, acknowledging procedural failures and the role of individuals within the jail. This incident has sparked broader concerns regarding security vulnerabilities at the facility, including outdated surveillance systems, staffing shortages, and a lack of resources necessary to properly supervise inmates.
In response to the escape, an audit has been initiated by the Louisiana Department of Public Safety and Corrections to investigate the operations and security measures at the Orleans Justice Center. District Attorney Jason Williams highlighted the potential dangers posed by the escaped inmates, expressing concern for the safety of his staff in light of the possible retribution from the individuals still at large.
As the investigation continues, Louisiana Attorney General Liz Murrill has confirmed that updates will be provided as more information becomes available. The situation remains tense as authorities work diligently to apprehend the remaining escapees and restore security within the facility.
The escape of these inmates and the involvement of a staff member have raised questions not just about prison security, but also about systemic issues that may have contributed to this dramatic incident. Observers are closely monitoring the ongoing developments as law enforcement agencies pursue those still on the run.
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