Major Escape Raises Alarms: Insights from a Former FBI Agent on New Orleans Jailbreak

A retired FBI special agent is raising serious concerns following the escape of ten inmates from a New Orleans jail, five of whom are still at large. This unsettling incident has prompted the agent to assert that it should command widespread attention.

“This wasn’t a complicated escape. Ten inmates got out through a hole behind a toilet, and it took over seven hours before anyone noticed they were gone,” stated Jason Pack, a retired FBI special agent, during an interview with Fox News Digital. He emphasized that this delay is indicative of deeper issues within the jail, including insufficient staffing, a lack of oversight, and likely inadequate security measures.

Maintenance Worker Arrested Amid Ongoing Investigation

In a related development, officials arrested a maintenance worker at the Orleans Parish Jail in connection with the escape.

Louisiana Attorney General Liz Murrill confirmed that Sterling Williams, 33, is facing ten counts of principal to simple escape and malfeasance in office.

“Williams admitted to investigators that one of the escapees instructed him to turn off the water in the cell from which the inmates escaped,” Murrill disclosed. “Instead of reporting the inmate, Williams complied, enabling the escape plan to unfold successfully.”

Strategic Choices of the Escapees

Pack commented on the choice of targeting a maintenance worker. He noted that maintenance personnel often operate under the radar and have access to essential utilities, making them ideal targets for such schemes.

“If you think about it, maintenance staff are not closely monitored. They carry keys and have access to utilities, so selecting him for assistance was a clever strategy on the part of the fugitives,” Pack said.

Moreover, he indicated that the escape was likely not a spontaneous act but rather a premeditated plan. Inmates often devise intricate strategies over time, exploiting resources available within the facility.

“Inmates are incredibly resourceful when it comes to finding ways to navigate their environment. This escape could have been in the works for several days or weeks,” he added.

Potential for More Arrests and Oversight Failures

Pack speculated that Williams may not be the only one facing legal consequences, as other employees involved have been suspended. He suggested that the incident highlights vulnerabilities within the correctional system.

“It appears these inmates are poised to exploit any weakness they can find. Sometimes those weaknesses lead to moments of opportunity for individuals in precarious positions, like Williams, enabling them to turn off the water, pull the toilet out, and execute their escape plan,” Pack explained.

He believes that the escape raises significant questions about systemic issues within correctional facilities. Pack pointed out that the New Orleans jail operates with just 36 officers for over 1,000 inmates, leading to an environment where oversight is severely lacking.

“When staff are thinly stretched, it becomes easy for critical oversights to occur. Facilities like this must have adequate staffing to ensure safety and order among inmates,” he asserted.

Finding the Fugitives: A Race Against Time

As of now, five of the ten escapees remain unaccounted for, prompting urgent efforts to locate them. Among those recaptured was Corey Boyd, 19, who faced serious charges, including murder. However, the most concerning fugitive is Derrick Groves, 27, who remains at large and is considered dangerous.

Groves was convicted of murder connected to a shooting incident during Mardi Gras in New Orleans in 2018 and was awaiting sentencing prior to his escape.

A Unique Situation in Law Enforcement

Pack remarked that the scale of this escape is unusual, with ten individuals fleeing simultaneously. Such occurrences are rare and pose significant risks to community safety.

“Having this many inmates escape at once is an atypical situation. When events like this unfold, they underscore the urgency of having well-trained correctional staff who are integral to maintaining law and order,” Pack emphasized. He also acknowledged the broader staffing shortages across correctional facilities nationwide, where officers often face low pay and high stress.

The Importance of Rapid Response

In the immediate aftermath of the jailbreak, law enforcement’s priority is to locate the escapees swiftly and safely. Pack noted the dangers posed by the fugitives when they feel threatened.

“Individuals on the run can become unpredictable, resorting to theft or violence if cornered. The longer they remain at large, the higher the risk to public safety. This highlights the need for quick and efficient police operations,” he cautioned.

The remaining fugitives include Groves, Jermaine Donald, 42, Antoine Massey, 33, Leo Tate, 31, and Lenton Vanburen, 27.

Challenging Path Ahead for Law Enforcement

Pack speculated that while it is unlikely the convicts fled the country, their options for evading capture are limited, given the extensive resources available to law enforcement agencies.

“Law enforcement agencies, including the FBI and U.S. Marshals, have a broad network and can coordinate efforts for tracking fugitives. Regardless of where an escapee might try to hide, law enforcement has the ability to pursue across state lines and even internationally,” he noted.

In closing, Pack emphasized the importance of ensuring safety throughout this unfolding situation, recognizing the potential volatility of fugitives under pressure.

“It is critical for police to manage this situation without any harm to individuals involved, including the escapees. The goal remains to bring these fugitives into custody in a professional manner, avoiding drama, and focusing on effective law enforcement practices,” he stressed.

Contributions to this report were made by Fox News Digital’s Peter D’Abrosca, Michael Dorgan, and Alex Koch.