An audacious jailbreak has sparked outrage and raised concerns about the security measures at New Orleans’ Orleans Parish jail, with a maintenance worker’s arrest revealing troubling internal flaws.
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Sterling Williams, a maintenance worker at the New Orleans jail, was arrested for allegedly aiding in the escape of ten inmates.
He confessed to turning off the water in a cell, which concealed a gap in the wall that inmates used to flee.
Threatened by an inmate named Antoine Massey, Williams followed the instructions out of fear for his safety.
The inmates exploited prison vulnerabilities, moving a toilet and slipping through a wall hole.
Adding insult to injury, the escapees left graffiti behind, sarcastically mocking security with “To Easy LoL.”
The escape was discovered during a routine headcount at 8:30 a.m. and reported to law enforcement hours later.
“We will uncover all the facts eventually and anyone who aided and abetted will be prosecuted to the full extent the law allows,” said Louisiana Attorney General Liz Murrill.
Authorities suspect internal assistance, suspending three sheriff’s employees and arresting a staff member.
Orleans Parish Sheriff Susan Hutson accepted full responsibility for the procedural failures.
She acknowledged that the jail’s staffing rates, operating at just 60%, contributed to this lapse in security.
The escape involved manipulation of a faulty door and scaling a fence using blankets, techniques caught on video footage.
Internal accountability took the forefront as the DA claimed this to be an “inside job.”
Sheriff Hutson emphasized commitment to finding answers and improving security measures moving forward.
NEW: Photo shows hole through which inmates escaped at New Orleans jail.
"To easy lol," says one of the messages left on the wall. 10 inmates are still at large. pic.twitter.com/lAc4lynIhw
— BNO News Live (@BNODesk) May 16, 2025
The escape ordeal continues to unfold as only four prisoners have been recaptured.
Local law enforcement and over 200 personnel are diligently searching for the remaining six, with a $20,000 reward for information leading to their capture.
In response, sixty inmates have been transferred to more secure state prisons.
While New Orleans faces criticism for delayed response, officials vow that justice will prevail. Louisiana Attorney General Liz Murrill assured the public that those responsible for enabling this breakout will face prosecution.
