In the small hours of May 16, 2025, ten prisoners pulled off a brazen jail break from New Orleans’ major jail, the Orleans Justice Center, in Louisiana. By opening up the wall of their cell using a removed toilet, they gained entry to a pipe chase, broke through metal bars, climbed over a wall, jumped over a barbed wire fence, and ran across a highway. Eight hours passed before anyone realized it had occurred, as chronic staff shortages and faulty security cameras allowed the group to slip through without notice, as one-third of the jail cameras were out of order. That delay, not picked up until routine count, put serious time on the criminals’ side, leaving officials scrambling to keep up.
The escape was reportedly made possible with help from Sterling Williams, a jail maintenance worker. According to officials, Williams is suspected of turning off the water supply to the cell after being asked by inmate Antoine Massey. This move allowed the prisoners to remove the toilet without setting off alarms or causing flooding that could have alerted correctional officers. Before fleeing, the inmates left behind graffiti mocking the facility, including the phrase “Too Easy LoL,” pointing to how effortless the escape seemed. The Orleans Parish Sheriff’s Office, which manages the jail, has faced swift criticism for failing to prevent the breakout.
As of June 2, 2025, authorities have managed to capture eight out of the ten individuals who recently escaped. Some were found in cities like New Orleans, Baton Rouge, and others as far as Texas. Still, two fugitives are on the run: Derrick Groves, who was convicted of several counts of second-degree murder and attempted murder, and Antoine Massey, who faces charges including vehicle theft, domestic violence, kidnapping, and rape. Both men are considered extremely dangerous. In response, law enforcement is offering a $50,000 reward for any information that leads to their arrest. FBI’s New Orleans office is urging anyone with knowledge of their whereabouts to come forward, warning that these individuals pose a serious threat to the public.
At least 15 individuals, including friends, family, and a former jail employee, have been arrested for aiding the escapees. These accomplices provided food, cash, transportation, and shelter. For instance, one drove escapee Lenton Vanburen to a hotel, while others sent money via apps or deleted digital evidence.
Cortnie Harris and Corvanntay Baptiste face felony charges for transporting and feeding fugitives, with bonds for some set at $1 million or higher. A former jail employee allegedly drove Vanburen to a relative’s home and facilitated FaceTime calls with his family, highlighting potential internal corruption.
Social media has fueled confusion, with viral videos falsely claiming to show arrests or sightings. One video allegedly depicted Massey jumping into a pool over Memorial Day weekend, but Louisiana State Police could not verify the individual’s identity. Another video claiming an escapee’s arrest at a bus stop was debunked by authorities.
The escape has exposed significant issues at the Orleans Justice Center, including overcrowding, broken locks, and inoperative cameras. Sheriff Susan Hutson acknowledged “serious lapses and intentional wrongdoing,” initiating an internal investigation. Louisiana Attorney General Liz Murrill has warned that all accomplices will face prosecution and called for comprehensive reforms. The incident has deepened public distrust in New Orleans’ corrections system, with community leaders demanding immediate action to address these systemic failures.
The manhunt, costing an estimated $250,000 per week, involves local, state, and federal authorities, including the FBI and U.S. Marshals. Recent X posts confirmed the extradition of escapees Leo Tate and Jermaine Donald from Texas on May 31, 2025. The public’s role remains critical, with authorities urging tips despite complex community ties that may hinder cooperation. The escape underscores the urgent need for robust security measures and oversight in correctional facilities.
