Ten Inmates Escape New Orleans Jail; Manhunt Ongoing

Sterling Williams, a 33-year-old maintenance worker at the Orleans Parish Justice Center in New Orleans, was arrested and charged with 10 counts of principle to simple escape and malfeasance in office for allegedly aiding the escape of 10 inmates on May 16. Williams reportedly shut off the water in a cell at an inmate's request, enabling the inmates—many charged or convicted of violent crimes—to remove a toilet and escape through a wall where at least one metal bar was deliberately cut. After escaping, the inmates changed into civilian clothes, and their absence went unnoticed for hours. Four inmates have been recaptured, while six remain at large as a multi-agency manhunt continues. Sheriff Susan Hutson has suspended three additional employees, citing ongoing issues such as broken locks and staffing shortages, while facing criticism from officials. The New Orleans City Council is scheduled to meet with law enforcement officials to address the incident.