Overview
- Ten inmates escaped from the Orleans Justice Center on May 16 by exploiting infrastructure vulnerabilities, with five still at large as of May 24.
- A task force of over 200 officers is utilizing advanced surveillance tools, including Project NOLA's high-definition cameras with facial recognition, to track the fugitives.
- Authorities have arrested six individuals, including a jail maintenance worker and five civilians, on charges of aiding the escapees through transportation, funds, and other support.
- Rewards for information leading to the capture of each fugitive have been raised to $20,000, encouraging public cooperation through anonymous tip lines.
- The escape has prompted a state-mandated audit of jail operations and led Orleans Parish Sheriff Susan Hutson to suspend her reelection campaign amidst growing criticism.