Seven Inmates on the Run After Bold New Orleans Jail Break Linked to Possible Inside Job

In a dramatic turn of events, seven of the ten inmates who escaped from a New Orleans jail on Friday remain at large, prompting a large-scale manhunt. Authorities suspect that inside assistance facilitated this audacious jailbreak, intensifying the search efforts as the community rallies for information.

Profile of the Fugitives

The fugitives include individuals charged with serious offenses, including murder, domestic abuse, and burglary. Law enforcement officials express confidence in their ongoing investigation, stating they have several strong leads as tips pour in from the community.

Among those currently on the run are:

Jermaine Donald, 42
Antoine Massey, 33
Leo Tate, 31
Lenton Vanburen, 27
Derrick Groves, 27
Gary Price, 21
Corey Boyd, 19

Search Operations Intensify

Authorities acknowledge that some of the escapees may have fled Louisiana entirely. In response, multiple agencies, including local law enforcement and the FBI, are coordinating efforts to recapture the fugitives. They urge the public to remain vigilant and to report any sightings without panic.

The FBI has increased its resources in the area and is offering a reward of up to $5,000 for information that leads to the arrest of the escapees.

Force of Law Enforcement Mobilized

Approximately 200 law enforcement officers are currently involved in the search operations. Officials emphasize that anyone found to be aiding the escapees will face charges as an accomplice.

In the days following the escape, some of the fugitives have already been apprehended. Kendall Myles, 20, was caught after a brief foot chase through the French Quarter shortly after the breakout. He has a history of escapes, having previously fled from juvenile detention centers.

By Friday evening, law enforcement announced the capture of two more inmates. Robert Moody, 21, was located in New Orleans through a Crimestoppers tip, while Dkenan Dennis was arrested near Chef Menteur Highway. These captures reflect the active engagement of the community in providing critical information.

The Role of Jail Employees Under Scrutiny

Orleans Parish Sheriff Susan Hutson stated that the circumstances surrounding this jailbreak point toward potential employee complicity. Attorney General Liz Murrill echoed these sentiments, asserting that there appears to have been a significant failure in security protocols.

She has called for a comprehensive investigation into the incident, which has already resulted in the suspension of three jail employees pending review. Authorities noted that video surveillance captured the escape, but the feed was not actively monitored at the time of the breakout. This oversight raises serious questions about operational protocols in the facility.

Details of the Escape

The jailbreak occurred at the Orleans Parish Justice Center, where the ten inmates broke out of their cell, showcasing alarmingly poor security. The group scaled a fence, using blankets to shield themselves from razor wire, and crossed an interstate to reach a neighborhood where they changed their clothes to evade capture.

Initial reports reveal that a female civilian employee responsible for monitoring the pod left her station to get food, thereby missing the entire escape. Consequently, a full internal review of staffing practices and security measures is underway.

The gaping hole utilized by the escapees was cleverly concealed behind a toilet within a first-floor jail cell. Inmates left behind cryptic messages, such as “To Easy LOL” and “WE INNOCENT,” near the sizable opening. It remains unclear whether the hole was created by the inmates or pre-existing, leading authorities to investigate the matter carefully.

Investigation Reveals Security Flaws

Chief of Corrections Jeworski “Jay” Mallett confirmed that the hole could not have been created from the inside. Further investigations are essential to determine how and when external interference occurred, raising the potential for an inside job involving compromised staff members.

Additional security flaws have surfaced during the review, including malfunctioning cell doors and a troubling staffing shortage. Current reports indicate that the facility operates at only 60 percent capacity, with just four supervisors and 36 staff responsible for monitoring an overwhelming 1,400 inmates.

Routine Headcount and Discovery of Escape

The escape highlights significant issues with operational readiness. The inmates were only discovered missing during a routine headcount at 8:30 a.m. on Friday, which underscores the potential for longer-term systemic issues within the facility.

As authorities continue their work to capture the remaining fugitives, the focus remains not just on recapturing the inmates but also on addressing the underlying security deficiencies within the facility.

Ongoing Community Involvement

The community remains central to the manhunt as local residents are encouraged to provide information about the escapees. Law enforcement agencies are hopeful that increased awareness can lead to quick arrests and bolster public safety.

In conclusion, as the investigation unfolds, it is evident that the New Orleans jail break is not just a matter of re-capturing fugitives but also a deep-seated issue in the prison system’s management that needs urgent attention.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.