New Orleans Jailbreak: More Escapees Recaptured, Authorities Suspect "Inside Job"

The massive manhunt following the daring escape of ten inmates from an Orleans Parish correctional facility earlier this month continues, with authorities announcing the recapture of three more individuals.

Lenton Vanburen, Leo Tate, and Jermaine Donald are now back in custody, apprehended in separate locations. Vanburen was located in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, thanks to the efforts of the Baton Rouge Police Department. Tate and Donald were apprehended in Walker County, Texas, by the Texas Department of Public Safety. All three will face additional charges related to their escape.

The arrests mark significant progress in the investigation. Law enforcement officials attribute the success to strong partnerships and communication between local, state, and federal agencies. Two escapees, Derrick Groves and Antoine Massey, remain at large, and the search continues. Rewards of up to $20,000 are still being offered for information leading to their capture.

The escape, which occurred on May 16th, involved inmates exploiting vulnerabilities in the facility's structure. Reports indicate the inmates manipulated faulty cell doors, dismantled a bathroom to create an opening, and then scaled a wall to freedom.

The investigation has broadened beyond the escapees themselves. Authorities are actively pursuing anyone suspected of aiding the inmates, either before or after the breakout. To date, at least thirteen individuals, including another inmate, have been arrested on charges related to assisting the escape.

Recent arrests include individuals accused of directly aiding specific escapees. Diamond White was arrested for assisting Massey, while Lenika Vanburen, Tyshanea Randolph, Patricia Vanburen, Angel McKay, and Lenton Vanburen Sr. were arrested for assisting Lenton Vanburen. Trevon Williams, an inmate who did not escape, faces charges for his alleged role in planning the breakout. Emmitt Weber has been charged as an accessory after the fact.

Sterling Williams, a jail maintenance worker, also faces serious charges. He is accused of deliberately shutting off water to a cell at the request of an inmate, which enabled the inmates to remove plumbing fixtures and create the hole used for the escape. Williams' lawyer claims his client was unaware of the escape plan.

The escape has raised serious concerns about security within the Orleans Parish jail and the potential impact on ongoing criminal cases. Orleans Parish District Attorney Jason Williams expressed fears about the safety of his staff, particularly those involved in prosecuting the remaining escapees. He also voiced concerns that the incident may discourage witnesses and jurors from participating in future trials. Some prosecutors have been relocated out of state for their protection.

The situation remains fluid, and the investigation is ongoing. Authorities are urging anyone with information about the remaining escapees to come forward. The focus remains on apprehending Groves and Massey and ensuring the security of the community.