Maintenance Worker Arrested for Allegedly Aiding Jailbreak of 10 Inmates

NEW ORLEANS, LA — Sterling Williams, a 33-year-old maintenance worker at the Orleans Parish Justice Center, was arrested and charged with turning off water to facilitate the escape of ten inmates. The incident occurred early Friday, leading to a dramatic jailbreak involving multiple violent offenders.

According to Louisiana Attorney General Liz Murrill, the inmates escaped by ripping a toilet from the wall, allowing them to slip through a hole. Williams allegedly disabled the water supply under coercion from one of the escapees, who threatened to harm him if he didn’t comply.

Williams faces ten counts of principal to simple escape and one count of malfeasance in office. Following his arrest on Tuesday, a magistrate set his bail at $1.1 million. If he posts bond, he will be required to wear an ankle monitor.

Murrill stated that Williams directly admitted to agents that he turned off the water in compliance with the escape plan. Surveillance footage reportedly shows him interacting with the escapees prior to the jailbreak.

The mass escape was first discovered during a routine headcount, with authorities initially believing eleven inmates were missing. They later confirmed that ten had fled, with six still at large. Three of those inmates have been recaptured.

Williams explained that he was threatened by Antoine Massey, one of the escapees, who ordered him to turn off the water. Court documents describe how Williams could have easily reported the threat but chose instead to assist the inmates.

During a city council meeting, Sheriff Susan Hutson acknowledged serious lapses in security and took responsibility for the escape. Several other employees at the jail have been suspended as investigations continue.

Authorities are urging the public to help in the manhunt for the remaining escapees. Various agencies, including the U.S. Marshals and Louisiana State Police, are involved in the search.

Murrill emphasized the ongoing investigation, asserting that anyone who contributed to the escape will face full legal consequences.