Jail employee in New Orleans detained, facing charges for alleged involvement in large-scale inmate breakout
In New Orleans, a maintenance worker at the Orleans Parish Justice Center, Sterling Williams, has been arrested and charged with aiding in the escape of 10 inmates. Williams stands accused of disabling a toilet's water supply to clear a path for the prisoners to do damage and escape. According to officials, the inmates were able to breach a wall behind the toilet due to this action, exiting the jail through a loading dock and scaling the perimeter wall.
Williams faces 10 counts of principal to simple escape and an additional count of malfeasance in office. Initially booked into the Orleans Parish Jail, he was later transferred to another facility. Furthermore, Williams has reportedly admitted to his involvement, telling investigators that one of the inmates instructed him to turn off the water.
This escape incident has led to the suspension of three other jail employees as part of the ongoing investigation. Louisiana Attorney General Liz Murrill announced the arrest and Williams' accusations in a Tuesday press conference. The authorities are still investigating the circumstances surrounding the breach, with Attorney General Murrill stating that anyone who assisted in the escape will be prosecuted to the full extent of the law.
Investigations are ongoing to determine how the prisoners received help or tools to facilitate their escape. The inmates included three charged with second-degree murder, who are still on the run. Authorities captured four other escapees within the first 24 hours, and the remaining two are still at large. The escape was initially discovered during a routine headcount at the Orleans Justice Center on a Friday morning.
Three of the jail's employees have been placed on administrative leave, with Orleans Parish Sheriff Susan Hutson taking full responsibility for the incident. Sheriff Hutson stated that they have launched comprehensive internal and external investigations, have suspended staff, and are cooperating with the Louisiana Attorney General's investigation.
Attorney General Liz Murrill reiterated that their intent is to ensure this incident does not happen again and to hold everyone involved accountable for their actions. The arrested inmate, Derrick Groves, has a history of violence, with Groves being recently convicted of second-degree murder and facing life in prison without the possibility of parole. Groves is considered dangerous, as he has shown willingness to kill, take risks, and disregard others' safety.
As the manhunt for the remaining fugitives continues, both authorities and residents are urged to remain vigilant in their search for the missing prisoners. Local officials expressed concern about the escape, stating that the public should have been informed immediately when the breach occurred. A friend who lives downtown New Orleans alerted the District Attorney's office to three individuals captured on her home surveillance camera, walking in an alley behind her house shortly after the escape. This information could have potentially aided in the manhunt if it had been released to the public sooner.
Several inmates recaptured after their escape, including Robert Moody, Dkenan Dennis, and Kendall Myles, were all taken into custody just hours after breaching the jail. The ongoing manhunt and investigation into the escape illuminate the importance of thorough security measures in incarceration facilities.
- Despite the ongoing investigation, it remains unclear how the escapees obtained assistance or tools to facilitate their escape from the Orleans Parish Justice Center.
- The video footage from home surveillance cameras in New Orleans may have provided valuable leads in the manhunt for the remaining escapees had the public been informed about the breach sooner.
- The crime-and-justice section of the general-news channels is likely to feature the ongoing investigation into the escape of 10 inmates from the Orleans Parish Justice Center, especially as the manhunt for the three still-at-large prisoners continues.
