Authorities are intensifying their search for two escaped inmates, Antoine Massey and Derick Groves, from the Orleans Justice Center in New Orleans. A press conference held by Crimestoppers of Greater New Orleans and the FBI New Orleans revealed a reward of up to $50,000 for information leading to their capture. Each inmate’s reward has been increased to $20,000 by Crimestoppers and the FBI, with an additional $10,000 offered by the ATF.
Out of the ten inmates who escaped on May 16, eight have been recaptured. In a statement, Jonathan Tapp, Special Agent in Charge at the FBI New Orleans, reassured the public that “the walls are closing in” on Massey and Groves, who are reportedly receiving help and moving around the city. Louisiana State Police Superintendent Colonel Robert P. Hodges expressed confidence that the two would soon be in custody.
Public assistance has played a critical role in the recapture efforts, with tips leading to the arrest of three escapees and the payout of rewards. Additionally, over a dozen individuals have been arrested for allegedly aiding the escapees. Notably, five individuals were charged for helping Lenton Vanburen, who was recaptured after a tip-off from a “concerned citizen.”
In an intriguing development, Sterling Williams, a jail maintenance worker, was arrested for allegedly aiding the escape by disabling water access, allowing inmates to pull a toilet from the wall. An affidavit indicated that Massey threatened him if he didn’t assist, though Williams’ lawyer contends that the action was simply to address a plumbing issue. A photo from the jail showed a hole in the wall, alongside graffiti suggesting innocence from the inmates.
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