New Orleans Inmate Escape: Reward Now $50,000 as Authorities Intensify Recapture Efforts

In a dramatic turn of events, the manhunt for two inmates who escaped from the Orleans Justice Center in New Orleans continues, with authorities now offering a substantial $50,000 reward per fugitive for information leading to their capture. The escape, which took place on May 16, 2025, involved 10 inmates breaking out of the facility in one of the most significant jailbreaks in Louisiana’s history. As of May 30, 2025, eight of the escapees have been recaptured, leaving Antoine Massey and Derrick Groves still at large. Law enforcement agencies are ramping up efforts to apprehend the remaining fugitives, and the increased reward reflects the urgency of the situation.

The Escape: A Bold Breakout

The breakout occurred in the early morning hours of May 16, when 10 inmates exploited critical security flaws at the Orleans Justice Center. According to reports, the group used electric hair trimmers to cut through cell walls, accessing a hole behind a toilet to make their escape. They then scaled a fence and fled across an interstate, unnoticed by jail staff until hours later. The audacious escape exposed long-standing issues at the facility, including faulty locks, inadequate staffing, and lax supervision, which had been previously flagged by federal authorities.

The Orleans Parish Sheriff’s Office, led by Sheriff Susan Hutson, has faced intense scrutiny following the incident. Sheriff Hutson has acknowledged the jail’s “deficiencies,” citing defective locks and resource shortages as contributing factors. However, critics, including local officials and former wardens, argue that systemic failures in management and oversight played a significant role. A former warden described the facility as a “train wreck,” pointing to a history of dysfunction that has plagued New Orleans’ jail system for decades.

Who Are the Escapees?

The 10 inmates who escaped were being held on serious charges, including murder, parole violations, and illegal firearm possession. The two remaining fugitives, Antoine Massey and Derrick Groves, are considered armed and dangerous, prompting warnings from authorities for the public to remain vigilant. Massey, 27, has a history of escapes, including a 2019 breakout and an attempted escape in Orleans Parish two years later. His experience as a repeat escapee has raised concerns about his ability to evade capture. Groves, meanwhile, faces charges related to violent crimes, making his recapture a top priority.

The other eight escapees—Lenton Vanburen Jr., Leo Tate, Jermaine Donald, Corey Boyd, Kendell Myles, Robert Moody, Dkenan Dennis, and Gary Price—have been apprehended in various locations, including New Orleans, Baton Rouge, and Walker County, Texas. Their captures were the result of a coordinated effort involving over 200 local, state, and federal law enforcement officers, including the U.S. Marshals Service and the Louisiana State Police.

The Reward Increase and Public Involvement

Initially, authorities offered a $20,000 reward per inmate for information leading to their arrests. However, as the manhunt for Massey and Groves intensified, Crimestoppers of Greater New Orleans announced on May 29 that the reward had been increased to $50,000 per fugitive, totaling $100,000 for both. This significant boost underscores the urgency of recapturing the remaining escapees and reflects the critical role of public tips in the investigation.

Crimestoppers has urged anyone with information to contact them at (504) 822-1111, emphasizing that tipsters can remain anonymous. According to Darlene Cusanza, president of Crimestoppers, public tips have already been instrumental in recapturing the eight inmates and identifying accomplices. The organization’s efforts, combined with law enforcement’s aggressive pursuit, have kept the pressure on the fugitives and their associates.

Accomplices and Inside Help

The escape was not a solo endeavor. Authorities have arrested 14 individuals accused of aiding the inmates before and after the breakout. Among those charged are a jail maintenance worker, Sterling Williams, 33, who allegedly shut off the water in the cell to facilitate the escape, and Trevon Williams, 23, an inmate at the Orleans Justice Center who faces charges related to the incident. Other accomplices include family members and associates, such as the sister and love interest of Antoine Massey, who allegedly provided transportation and false tips to mislead investigators.

Sheriff Hutson described the escape as a “coordinated effort” involving intentional wrongdoing by individuals within the sheriff’s office. One affidavit revealed that Sterling Williams claimed he was threatened with being “shanked” if he did not comply with the inmates’ demands. The involvement of jail staff has sparked outrage and calls for accountability, with some local lawmakers demanding Sheriff Hutson’s resignation.

Security Failures and Public Safety Concerns

The escape has reignited debates about the state of New Orleans’ jail system. The Orleans Justice Center, which houses around 1,400 inmates, has been under a federal consent decree due to longstanding issues with violence, understaffing, and poor infrastructure. An independent monitor’s report last fall highlighted “extremely inadequate” staffing levels and a rise in “internal escapes” within the facility, where inmates move to unauthorized areas without detection. The May 16 breakout, which went unnoticed for hours, underscored these vulnerabilities.

Public safety concerns have grown as the manhunt continues. The escapees left taunting messages like “To Easy Lol” and “We Innocent” above the toilet used in their breakout, further highlighting the brazen nature of the incident. New Orleans Police Department Superintendent Anne Kirkpatrick was reportedly informed of the escape through media reports, raising questions about communication breakdowns between agencies. With two dangerous inmates still at large, residents are urged to stay alert and report any suspicious activity.

Ongoing Efforts and Community Impact

The manhunt has expanded beyond Louisiana, with law enforcement agencies conducting searches across state lines. The recent captures of Leo Tate and Jermaine Donald in Texas demonstrate the wide scope of the operation. The Louisiana State Police, in collaboration with federal and local partners, are following every lead to ensure Massey and Groves are brought back into custody.

The escape has also had a profound impact on the New Orleans community. The incident has eroded public trust in the sheriff’s office and raised concerns about the safety of a city already grappling with high crime rates. Local leaders, including City Council member Aimee Adatto Freeman, have criticized Sheriff Hutson’s leadership, arguing that blaming funding shortages is insufficient to explain the security lapses.

What’s Next?

As the search for Antoine Massey and Derrick Groves continues, authorities remain optimistic about their recapture. The increased reward and public engagement through Crimestoppers are expected to generate new leads. Meanwhile, the Orleans Parish Sheriff’s Office faces mounting pressure to address systemic issues at the jail. Sheriff Hutson has promised reforms, including upgrades to the facility’s lock system, but critics argue that broader changes in leadership and oversight are needed to prevent future incidents.

For now, the focus remains on bringing the final two escapees to justice. The $50,000 reward per inmate is a testament to the determination of law enforcement and the community to close this chapter. Anyone with information is encouraged to contact Crimestoppers or local authorities immediately.

For more details on the escape and ongoing investigation, visit CNN’s coverage or Fox News’ updates. To learn more about Crimestoppers’ role, check their official site at Crimestoppers GNO.

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