Sterling Williams, 33, Arrested for Aiding Escape of 10 Inmates from Orleans Parish Jail — Four Recaptured, Six Remain at Large Amid Ongoing Investigation
Sterling Williams, 33, Arrested for Aiding Escape of 10 Inmates from Orleans Parish Jail — Four Recaptured, Six Remain at Large Amid Ongoing Investigation
NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA — Sterling Williams, a 33-year-old maintenance worker at the Orleans Parish Justice Center, has been arrested and charged with facilitating the escape of ten inmates from the facility. Williams faces ten counts of principal to simple escape and one count of malfeasance in office.
Details of the Escape
The escape occurred in the early hours of Friday, May 16, 2025. Inmates exploited a vulnerability by removing a toilet in their cell, revealing a hole in the wall through which they escaped. Williams allegedly assisted by turning off the water supply to the cell, facilitating the removal of the toilet. (AP News, Wikipedia)
After exiting through the wall, the inmates navigated through a loading dock, scaled a perimeter fence using blankets to avoid barbed wire, and fled across nearby railroad tracks and Interstate 10. The escape was discovered during a routine headcount at 8:30 a.m., approximately seven hours later. (ABC News, Wikipedia)
Arrest and Charges
Williams was arrested on Tuesday, May 20, and initially booked into the Orleans Parish Jail before being transferred to another facility. He admitted to authorities that he turned off the water in the cell at the request of an inmate, enabling the escape plan. (ABC7 Los Angeles, WSJ)
In addition to Williams, three other jail employees have been suspended without pay pending the outcome of the investigation. (Wikipedia)
Status of Escapees
As of May 20, four of the ten escapees have been recaptured:(Wikipedia)
- Kendell Myles: Captured shortly after the escape.(ABC7 Los Angeles)
- Robert Moody: Apprehended within 24 hours.(koat.com)
- Dkenan Dennis: Recaptured on May 17.(ABC7 Los Angeles)
- Gary Price: Arrested on May 19.(Wikipedia)
Six inmates remain at large:
- Antoine Massey: Charged with domestic abuse involving strangulation and vehicle theft.(Wikipedia)
- Corey Boyd: Charged with second-degree murder.(Wikipedia)
- Derrick Groves: Convicted of multiple killings.(The Guardian)
- Jermaine Donald: Charged with second-degree murder and aggravated battery.(Wikipedia)
- Leo Tate: Charged with second-degree murder.(koat.com)
- Lenton Vanburen: Charged with second-degree murder.
Investigation and Institutional Response
The Orleans Parish Sheriff’s Office, in collaboration with the Louisiana Attorney General’s Office, is conducting an ongoing investigation into the escape. Sheriff Susan Hutson has acknowledged the possibility of internal complicity and has suspended three employees pending further inquiry. (AP News, WSJ)
The escape has highlighted systemic issues within the facility, including faulty locks, staffing shortages, and inadequate surveillance. The jail has been under federal oversight since 2015 due to ongoing concerns about its conditions. (koat.com, The Guardian)
In response to the incident, the New Orleans City Council has scheduled discussions with the sheriff’s office and other authorities to address the security lapses and prevent future occurrences. (AP News)
Public Safety Measures
Law enforcement agencies, including the FBI and ATF, are actively involved in the search for the remaining escapees. Rewards totaling $20,000 are being offered for information leading to the capture of each fugitive. (New York Post)
Authorities urge anyone with information about the whereabouts of the escapees to contact the Orleans Parish Sheriff’s Office or Crime Stoppers.
Conclusion
The arrest of Sterling Williams marks a significant development in the investigation of the Orleans Parish Jail escape. As the search for the remaining fugitives continues, the incident underscores the critical need for systemic reforms within the correctional facility to ensure the safety and security of both inmates and the public.
