Maintenance Worker Arrested for Assisting Prison Escape in New Orleans
A maintenance worker at the New Orleans prison, from which ten inmates escaped last week, has been arrested for allegedly aiding their escape. The incident occurred around 1 AM on Friday, and out of the ten, six managed to flee.
Sterling Williams, 33, has been charged in connection with the escape. According to the Louisiana Attorney General’s Office, Williams confessed to authorities that he turned off the water in the cell where the inmates broke out through a hole behind the toilet.
“This is an ongoing investigation, and we will provide updates as frequently as possible. We will uncover all the facts, and anyone who assisted in this will face charges as allowed by law,” stated Louisiana Attorney General Liz Marrill. She encouraged anyone with information, including those who may have helped, to come forward for a better resolution in their specific situations.
Williams was initially booked at the prison where the incident occurred but has since been transferred to a different facility.
It remains unclear if additional employees will face charges. Three individuals have been placed on administrative leave as state officials continue to look into the escape.
Governor Jeff Landry (R) has called for an investigation by the Attorney General’s office after noticing signs over the weekend that local officials might have received assistance from inside the department.
“The public has a right to know who was involved and how this occurred,” the governor remarked on Sunday.
As of now, six inmates are still at large, prompting a broad manhunt involving local, state, and federal authorities. Louisiana State Police reported a fourth inmate, Gary Price, escaped on Monday night.
The six fugitives have been identified as Corey Boyd, Jermaine Donald, Derrick Groves, Antoine Massey, Leotate, and Renton Van Bren.
Various agencies are offering rewards, hoping it will lead to the capture of the remaining fugitives. Currently, there is a combined reward of up to $20,000 for information that helps in apprehending any of the escapees.
