Two deputies dismissed following an inmate's erroneous discharge from prison: Sheriff's department announcement
The Orleans Parish Sheriff's Office is under scrutiny following the mistaken release of inmate Khalil Bryan from the Orleans Justice Center on July 25, 2025. The public was not informed about the error until 3:45 p.m. that same day, raising questions about the office's transparency and protocols.
Khalil Bryan, 30, was being held on charges including possession of stolen property, drug paraphernalia, and resisting an officer, but not for violent crimes. According to the sheriff's office, Bryan was not deemed an "immediate threat to the public" because he was in custody primarily for non-violent charges. However, the error of mistakenly releasing Bryan was discovered at 11:10 a.m., about 10 hours after the incident.
The failure to confirm the inmate's identity prior to release has been highlighted as a significant oversight, with Orleans Parish District Attorney Jason Williams stating that it presents a "real and immediate risk to public safety." Five staff members have been suspended due to procedural failures and negligence during the identity verification process, and two deputies have been fired for a "severe breach of duty and process."
Orleans Parish Sheriff Susan Hutson took full accountability for the incident, stating that it reflects a failure in execution. The sheriff's office aims to operate with precision and professionalism to meet the expectations of the people of New Orleans. In response to the incident, the office is implementing changes, including additional training on the release process and a mandatory review of all inmate releases by a supervisor.
It is worth noting that the Orleans Justice Center is the same jail where 10 inmates escaped in May, and one of the escapees remains on the lam. The incident underscores ongoing systemic issues surrounding the exercise of custody and control over detained individuals, according to Williams.
The Orleans Parish Sheriff's Office notified other agencies and the victim after the decision not to alert the public about Bryan's release. The inmate who was confused with Bryan was ultimately released shortly before 11 p.m. on July 25. Bryan, who has a violent criminal history, including aggravated burglary, aggravated assault with a weapon, and aggravated criminal damage to property, remains at large.
The Orleans Parish District Attorney is not ruling out pursuing possible charges against the deputies who let Bryan walk free. The incident serves as a reminder of the importance of adhering to protocols and exercising due diligence in the management of detained individuals to ensure public safety.
The continued lapses in justice and safety at the Orleans Parish Sheriff's Office, as evidenced by the unjust release of Khalil Bryan, have raised significant concerns in general-news, crime-and-justice, politics, and sports, as they impact the community's sense of security during games and events. The Orleans Parish District Attorney, Jason Williams, emphasized that the failure to verify Bryan's identity before release is a clear oversight that jeopardizes public safety, which extends beyond the realm of sports.
