NEW ORLEANS, La. — Authorities have recaptured a fifth inmate following a daring breakout from the Orleans Justice Center last week. Corey Boyd, 19, was arrested Tuesday, the same day a maintenance worker was charged with aiding the escape.
Allegations Against Jail Employee
Sterling Williams, a maintenance worker for the Orleans Parish Sheriff’s Office, was arrested for “willfully and maliciously” assisting the breakout, according to a search warrant affidavit. Williams faces one count of malfeasance in office and 10 counts of principal to simple escape, with a total bond set at $1.1 million.
Authorities believe Williams aided the escape over several days. The affidavit states inmate Antoine Massey threatened Williams with violence unless he turned off the water to a cell used for the breakout. Had the water remained on, flooding would have likely exposed the escape plan.
Repeat Offender Among Escapees
Massey, who helped orchestrate the escape, had previously fled a detention center in North Louisiana in 2019. At that time, he and another inmate cut through a fence in broad daylight before being captured in Texas.
Details of the Escape
The breakout occurred just after midnight on Friday through a hole behind a metal toilet in Cell Delta 1006. Ten inmates slipped through the hole, scaled a fence, crossed Interstate 10, and fled into a nearby neighborhood, removing their inmate clothing to avoid detection.
Before escaping, the inmates taunted staff with a message scrawled above the hole: “To Easy LoL.”
Jail Conditions and Ongoing Investigations
Orleans Parish Sheriff Susan Hutson acknowledged serious security lapses, including skipped security checks and outdated surveillance. She called the infrastructure “aging” and cited staffing shortages as contributing factors.
An audit of the jail is underway by the Louisiana Department of Public Safety and Corrections, focusing on security, staffing, and policy compliance. This follows Governor Jeff Landry’s directive to ensure safe and legal jail operations.
Public Safety Concerns
The escape has heightened concerns in New Orleans, with local officials and district attorney staff expressing fears for their safety. Sheriff Hutson emphasized the agency’s commitment to pursuing all individuals involved.
Source Attribution
Information sourced from:
- Orleans Parish Sheriff’s Office
- Louisiana Department of Public Safety and Corrections
- Local media coverage