A campaign fundraising email sent by Orleans Parish Sheriff Susan Hutson highlighted the security at the Orleans Justice Center just three days before 10 inmates managed to escape from the facility. This move drew criticism from a lawmaker who is now calling for her resignation.
Following the escape, state and federal law enforcement authorities were able to capture five out of the 10 inmates. During a recent New Orleans City Council meeting, Hutson openly admitted to the jailbreak and took full responsibility for the incident.
“As your sheriff, it deeply concerns me that this incident occurred, and I understand that it is equally concerning to both you and the community we are dedicated to serve and protect. I acknowledge my role in this failure and assure you that I am committed to addressing this issue promptly and transparently,” Hutson expressed to the council members.
Three days before 10 inmates escaped from the Orleans Justice Center, Hutson sent a campaign fundraising email that boasted about security improvements at the jail.
The 10 men who escaped from jail in New Orleans. (Fox News)
Freeman’s colleague, Rep. Jason Hughes, also called on Hutson to resign.
Since 2013, the Orleans Justice Center has operated under a federal consent decree. Every six months, federal jail monitors question deputies at the jail, according to FOX 8.
Every time, they wrote reports finding jailers “incapable of describing what an acceptable security check would be like.”
Kendell Myles, Robert Moody, Gary Price, Dkenan Dennis and Corey Boyd have been recaptured by law enforcement, leaving five inmates at large.
This image from CCTV video shows inmates running through the loading dock at the Orleans Parish Justice Center in New Orleans on May 16, 2025. (Orleans Parish Sheriff’s Office/Handout via Reuters)
Boyd, the most recent inmate to be recaptured, was in jail on charges of second-degree murder, attempted second-degree murder, aggravated battery and threatening a public official.
The following inmates are still at large:
- Lenton J. Vanburen Jr., 26, faces charges of illegal carrying of weapons, possession of a firearm or weapon by a felon, obstruction of justice and introducing contraband in prison.
- Jermaine Donald, 42, faces charges of second-degree murder, aggravated battery, possession of a firearm or weapon by a felon and obstruction of justice.
- Antoine Massey, 32, faces charges of domestic abuse involving strangulation, theft of a motor vehicle and a parole violation.
- Derrick Groves, 27, faces three counts of attempted second-degree murder, two counts of second-degree murder and battery of a correctional facility employee.
- Leo O. Tate Sr., 31, faces charges of simple burglary of an inhabited dwelling, possession of a firearm or weapon by a felon, illegal carrying of a weapon, motor vehicle theft and multiple drug counts.
Fox News Digital reached out to Hutson for comment.
