New Orleans Jail Worker Indicted After 10 Inmate Escape, Multiple Fugitives Remain

Sterling Williams, a maintenance worker at the Orleans Parish jail, was arrested for aiding the escape of 10 inmates by turning off the water to a cell, allowing them to remove a toilet and escape through a hole in the wall. The jailbreak exposed multiple security lapses, including faulty cell locks and understaffing, with the jail operating at only 60% capacity and inmates left unattended when the lone guard went to get food. Williams claimed he was coerced by inmate Antoine Massey, who threatened him to assist in the escape and attempted to intimidate him into smuggling contraband. Authorities have apprehended several escapees but six remain at large, including individuals charged with violent crimes such as second-degree murder. Orleans Parish Sheriff Susan Hutson accepted full accountability for the incident and highlighted ongoing investigations to prosecute all involved. Louisiana Attorney General Liz Murrill emphasized that the investigation is active and that those who aided the escape will be prosecuted to the fullest extent.