Roommates, New Orleans authorities are still searching for five out of 10 male inmates who escaped from a jail a week ago. Meanwhile, two people allegedly connected to the toilet-escape plan are in custody. Cops seem to think the local community might be helping the escapees stay hidden due to mistrust of law enforcement.
RELATED: Wayment! 10 Inmates Escape New Orleans Jail By Ripping A TOILET From Wall (DETAILS)
New Orleans Officials Say Mistrust Is Complicating Search For Escaped Inmates
As previously reported, on Friday, May 16, ten inmates yanked open a faulty cell door inside a city jail and moved the toilet to squeeze through a hole. They left the message “Too Easy LOL” behind. Derrick Groves, Jermaine Donald, Leo Tate, Lenton Vanburen, Antoine Massey are still on the run, while Gary Price, Corey Boyd, Dkenan Dennis, Robert Moody, Kendell Myles are under maximum security in prison.
According to the Associated Press, the police superintendent has said most of the fugitives were likely still in the city. More than 200 law enforcement personnel are allegedly working to find the five escapees still on the loose. However, the city police’s history of misconduct and racial bias against Black people is complicating the search. Then there’s also the state police’s record of excessive force, and a jail system that’s had violations of constitutional rights.
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Officials raised concerns that the escapees are receiving help from the community after arresting multiple people this week. Five so far, per CNN. The latest arrest in connection with the escape happened on Thursday. Casey Smith admitted to helping two fugitives with transportation. Same goes for Cortnie Harris. Meanwhile, cops bagged Corvanntay Baptiste earlier this week for communication with inmate Boyd via phone and social media and helping him get food. Another person arrested is Connie Weeden, who allegedly sent cash via a phone app to escapee Jermaine Donald. Weeden also spoke to Donald on the phone before and after his escape. Finally, there’s Sterling Williams, who worked at the jail involved in the maintenance department. Police suspect Williams turned off the water to the cell where the inmates yanked out the toilet plumbing to escape.
Authorities have offered $20,000 in rewards for tips leading to the arrest of the fugitives. Many, they say, are charged with or convicted of violent offenses, including murder.
Attorney General, NOPD & Involved Jail Says THIS
In a statement to The Associated Press, AG Liz Murrill described law enforcement as doing “an amazing job in building trust and relationships in the communities they serve” and working to apprehend “violent and dangerous” escapees.
Meanwhile, the New Orleans Police Department, which tells the public it has transformed, referred AP questions to the Louisiana State Police. The department is reportedly leading the search for the escapees.
The agency “continues to work diligently on improving our relationship with our communities,” state police spokesman Lt. Jared Sandifer wrote in an email. He added that “all residents are encouraged to cooperate with law enforcement” to capture the fugitives.
The Orleans Parish Sheriff’s Office, which runs the jail, did not respond to AP requests for comment. However, Sheriff Susan Hutson said earlier this week that she is committed to “protecting our deputies, protecting the public, and restoring trust in a justice system that must work for everyone.”
Elsewhere, Louisiana lawmakers are considering legislation to require sheriffs to immediately notify state and local law enforcement and the public of an escape. They’re reportedly citing concerns about how long it took to announce that inmates had broken out of the New Orleans jail.
What’s The City’s History With Bad Policing Practices?
To be fair, the New Orleans Police Department has seen drastic improvement over the past decade. This came after the U.S. Justice Department found evidence of racial bias, misconduct, and a culture of impunity. In response, the agency underwent what the city called “the nation’s most expansive” federal oversight plan. NOPD was one of the first major police forces in the U.S. to implement body cameras. Still, residents are five times as likely to hold a negative view of city police as a positive one, according to a 2024 survey by the New Orleans Crime Coalition.
Some still recall the bullet-riddled early 1990s, when officers were often the criminals preying on the city. Dozens of officers got arrested for bank robbery, rape, auto theft and other crimes while New Orleans led the country in police brutality complaints.
The low point was arguably 1994, when New Orleans recorded an unprecedented 421 homicides. There was also the patrolman-ordered execution of a young woman, Kim Groves. Ironically, she is the grandmother of one of the toilet escapees, Derrick Groves.
Associated Press Staff Jack Brook, Jim Mustian, and Hallie Golden contributed to this report.
