A recent escape at the Orleans Parish jail has left six dangerous inmates on the run and a maintenance worker behind bars. If you’re in New Orleans, law enforcement says the situation is still active — and the fugitives could be hiding nearby.
Maintenance Worker Claims He Was Threatened
Sterling Williams, 33, was arrested on 10 counts of principal to simple escape and malfeasance in office. Employed as a maintenance worker at the Orleans Parish Sheriff’s Office (OPSO), Williams says he only helped the inmates because he feared for his life.
According to WDSU News, Williams told investigators that inmate Antoine Massey threatened to stab him if he didn’t shut off the water in the unit. Shortly after, surveillance footage shows inmates prying open a door and vanishing through a hole behind a toilet.
Three security cameras in that unit were offline, and OPSO officials have acknowledged “defective locks” and possible “internal assistance” aided the escape.
How the Inmates Broke Out
The escape unfolded in a shocking chain of events:
- The group exploited a weak spot behind a toilet.
- They broke through a wall and accessed a supply dock.
- Surveillance failures meant no one caught the escape in real-time.
Williams was later booked into jail himself and has since been relocated to a different facility for safety.
Sheriff Susan Hutson addressed the public Monday, stating she takes “full responsibility” for the failures that led to the breach.
Four Recaptured, Six Still on the Run
As of Monday, four inmates have been recaptured. Most recently, Gary Price — jailed for attempted murder — was taken into custody in New Orleans East. Surveillance footage obtained by Fox 8 showed him surrendering with his hands raised on Good Drive.
The remaining six fugitives are still at large and considered armed and dangerous:
- Derrick Groves – convicted in a 2018 Mardi Gras double homicide.
- Antoine Massey – charged with domestic abuse and vehicle theft; also wanted for rape and kidnapping.
- Lenton Vanburen – accused of a 2021 New Orleans East homicide.
- Jermaine Donald – charged with attempted murder and weapons violations.
- Leo Tate – awaiting trial for burglary and drug offenses.
- Corey Boyd – accused of killing a man during a car burglary earlier this year.
NOPD Superintendent Anne Kirkpatrick said Tuesday that authorities believe the men are likely still in the New Orleans area.
Ongoing Investigation and Community Safety
Residents are urged to stay alert and report any suspicious activity. Officials continue to search the city with the help of Louisiana State Police and federal partners.
This is the second serious breach in OPSO custody since 2022, raising questions about long-term jail security and oversight.
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This article was written by John Deluca. AI was used lightly for grammar and formatting, but the ideas, words, and edits are all mine.
