Orleans Parish DA Claims Sheriff's Office is 'Compromised' Amid Jailbreak Investigation and Lawsuit
Tensions rise as New Orleans officials clash over ongoing search for two jail escapees.
The ongoing feud between New Orleans District Attorney Jason Williams and Orleans Parish Sheriff Susan Hutson intensified this week, following a high-stakes jailbreak that has gripped city officials and the public alike. Tensions reached a boiling point after Sheriff Hutson sought to have Williams removed from the investigation into the daring escape of ten inmates, prompting a fiery rebuttal from the district attorney's office.
Williams criticized the sheriff’s handling of the incident, emphasizing, “After this jailbreak, jail leadership should have immediately requested an independent forensic processing of that scene.” He added that it was difficult not to view the agency as “compromised” until those responsible for mismanagement or possible collusion were identified and removed. Williams further highlighted that resources had been misspent during the week, accusing the sheriff’s department of being “two steps behind the moment” as the crisis unfolded.
In response to what she calls “ongoing attacks” on her office, Sheriff Hutson filed a motion in court, alleging political bias against her—especially given that Williams is publicly backing her opponent in the upcoming reelection campaign. Despite these accusations, Hutson suspended her own campaign to focus on regaining control after the embarrassing breach at the Orleans Parish Justice Center.
The legal dispute was ultimately resolved out of court following a meeting with Criminal Judge Nandi Campbell. The investigation into the incident will continue under the guidance of Louisiana Attorney General Liz Murrill. Murrill reiterated her commitment by stating, “I will continue to conduct an independent investigation into how the ten violent inmates escaped... and will provide recommendations to ensure such an escape never occurs again.”
The prison break occurred two weeks ago, when a group of ten inmates—including individuals with histories of violent crime—managed to breach their cell and scale the jail’s barbed-wire fence. While eight fugitives have since been recaptured, two remain at large, including Derrick Groves, a convicted quadruple murderer awaiting sentencing, and Antoine Massey, a serial escapee notorious for evading law enforcement on multiple occasions.
The stakes remain high as Crime Stoppers and the FBI announced increased rewards of $50,000 for information leading to the capture of either man. The search continues with state, local, and federal agencies dedicating significant resources to the hunt. As authorities cast a wide net to end the manhunt, the incident has led to 14 arrests of individuals accused of aiding the escapees before or after the breakout.
This episode, marked by sharp political infighting and public safety concerns, has put the spotlight squarely on jail security and leadership in Orleans Parish. With the community on edge and the manhunt ongoing, officials vow meaningful reforms—and the hope that all fugitives will soon be returned to custody.
