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2d ago

New Orleans Jail Worker Charged in Escape of 10 Inmates as Manhunt Narrows

Sterling Williams, accused of aiding the jailbreak, faces charges while five escapees remain at large following the recapture of a fifth inmate Tuesday evening.

Sterling Williams, 33, was arrested in connection with the inmate escape at the Orleans Justice Center.
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A total of five escaped inmates have been recaptured, following the Orleans Parish Justice Center jailbreak Friday, as police search for five others who remain at large. On Tuesday, 19-year-old Corey Boyd was taken into custody after he was spotted in the French Quarter of New Orleans. Photo by Louisiana State Police/X
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Overview

  • Sterling Williams, a maintenance worker, was arrested and charged with 10 counts of principal to simple escape and malfeasance in office for allegedly assisting the inmates' escape by turning off the water supply.
  • Williams admitted to complying with an escapee's directive to disable the water, citing a threat of being stabbed, which allowed the inmates to remove a toilet and flee through a wall opening.
  • Law enforcement has recaptured five of the 10 escapees, including Corey Boyd on Tuesday evening, while five others, some facing violent crime charges, remain at large.
  • The escape exposed significant security lapses, including delayed reporting, ineffective locks, and staff shortages, prompting Louisiana's governor to order a comprehensive jail audit.
  • Over 200 officers are engaged in the ongoing manhunt, with rewards of up to $20,000 offered for information leading to the capture of each remaining fugitive.