Louisiana Jailbreak: How ‘Defective’ Locks Enabled 10 Men to Escape, According to Sheriff

BATON ROUGE, La. — Just days before a dramatic jail escape in New Orleans, the sheriff’s office requested funding to repair outdated locks and doors, which they believe contributed to the breakout. Now, a hunt continues for six men still on the run after 10 inmates made a daring escape, deeming it “easy” in graffiti left behind.

Orleans Parish Sheriff Susan Hutson has raised alarms about problems in the jail for a while. She insists that the escape spotlights the urgent need for upgrades to the facility’s failing infrastructure. Yet, criticism has also been directed at her leadership regarding the security measures in place.

The escape happened early Friday. Ten men awaiting serious charges, including murder, managed to pry open a cell, slip through a hole behind a toilet, and escape over a barbed wire fence. Authorities have caught four, including 21-year-old Gary Price, who was arrested late Monday.

While Hutson points to faulty locks, there are deeper concerns. Evidence suggests these inmates may have had inside help for their escape. The escape occurred without a single guard noticing for seven hours. This raises questions about the monitoring and management of the facility.

Louisiana Attorney General Liz Murrill acknowledged the jail’s long-standing staffing shortages and maintenance issues. Officials are now collaborating urgently to resolve these pressing concerns.

Just four days before the escape, Jeworski “Jay” Mallet, the chief of corrections, highlighted the need for new locks. He noted that the current system was inadequate for the facility, which holds around 1,400 inmates, many of whom are classified as high-risk.

In light of the escape, Murrill stated they’re seeking to enhance the jail’s physical security, stating it’s crucial given the current inmate population. Mallet pointed out that some cell doors have been tampered with so badly they can’t close properly.

Since Hutson took office in 2022, she has consistently pushed for funding to upgrade safety measures. New Orleans Mayor LaToya Cantrell stated that budget allocations for the jail have always been a priority. Still, the sheriff’s office maintains that the current budget falls short of what is needed for crucial repairs.

Bianka Brown, the sheriff’s CFO, expressed concerns about budget constraints, stating, “Things are being deprived.” The jail, which opened in 2015, has struggled with violence and escapes throughout its brief history.

Critics don’t hold back. State Rep. Aimee Adatto Freeman has called for Hutson’s resignation, accusing her of deflecting blame instead of taking full responsibility.

An independent watchdog recently criticized management practices at the jail, noting that inmates often went unsupervised, increasing the risk of violence and disorder.

In response to this escape, Louisiana Gov. Jeff Landry has launched an investigation into accountability and plans for an audit to examine compliance with basic correctional standards.

This situation highlights the ongoing challenges facing correctional facilities not just in Louisiana but across the country. A U.S. Department of Justice report from 2022 indicated that many jails struggle with outdated infrastructure and staffing shortages, raising serious questions about inmate safety and security nationwide.

This incident serves as a stark reminder that issues within the correctional system require urgent attention and accountability. As investigations proceed, many hope for meaningful changes that can prevent similar escapes in the future.



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Jeff Landry, Louisiana, New Orleans, Susan Hutson, Prisons, General news, LA State Wire, AL State Wire, MS State Wire, Crime, U.S. news, Liz Murrill, Gary Price, Bianka Brown