New Orleans Jail Escape: Fifth Inmate Recaptured and Maintenance Worker Arrested Days After Dramatic Breakout | CNN

A recent escape from the Orleans Justice Center in New Orleans has shocked the community. Five inmates made their way out, prompting a massive manhunt.

Corey Boyd, 19, was the latest to be recaptured days after the breakout. Authorities are now investigating how this occurred, especially with reports of a maintenance worker, Sterling Williams, allegedly aiding the escape. Williams faces serious charges, including malfeasance and ten counts related to the escape. His bail is set at $1.1 million, as reported by Louisiana Attorney General Liz Murrill.

Williams had been with the sheriff’s office and is suspected of assisting inmates over several days, not just on the night of the escape. In an unsettling detail, he claimed that inmate Antoine Massey threatened him if he didn’t turn off the water to the cell, helping facilitate their escape. According to the affidavit, if Williams hadn’t complied, the plan could’ve failed, potentially attracting attention.

The New Orleans district attorney has pointed out a troubling trend regarding security lapses at the facility. Jail staff apparently skipped security checks leading to the escape and didn’t notice the damage to the toilet and wall, which allowed the inmates to get free. Orleans Parish Sheriff Susan Hutson stated that many warnings about the jail’s dated infrastructure and staffing shortages had gone unheeded.

Interestingly, this isn’t Massey’s first escape. He previously broke out of a detention center back in 2019. Chief James Mardis from the Morehouse Parish Sheriff’s Office expressed little surprise at Massey’s latest escape, recalling his past when Massey had cut through a chain-link fence to flee.

The overall situation has stirred a mix of fear and anger in New Orleans. Local officials, including the governor, are now pushing for more rigorous audits of the Orleans Justice Center to prevent future breakdowns in security. It’s a crucial moment for the local justice system to reassess how it manages and protects its inmates and the community. Today, it isn’t just about capturing the escapees; it’s about restoring public trust.

This incident highlights broader issues of prison security and oversight, calling for urgent reforms and better resources. As the city grapples with these challenges, it emphasizes the importance of rigorous security checks and reliable staffing to keep both the inmates and the community safe.

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