The Federal Bureau of Investigations (FBI) announced that they have doubled the reward for information leading to the capture of the seven remaining inmates who escaped from Orleans Justice Center in New Orleans early Friday morning.
Newsweek contacted the Orleans Parish Sheriff’s office via email on Sunday for comment.
Why It Matters
The escape has raised serious concerns about jail security and potential internal complicity.
As reported by Newsweek, Orleans Parish Sheriff Susan Hutson said on Friday that there are signs that the 10 inmates who escaped from the jail may have “received assistance in their escape from individuals inside of our department.”
Two of the inmates have been apprehended, while one had remained in custody.
In an announcement on the FBI’s website, the agency stated: “At the request of the New Orleans Police Department, FBI New Orleans has surged resources to assist with apprehending inmates who escaped from the Orleans Parish Jail on May 16, 2025.
“The FBI routinely offers assistance to our law enforcement partners, to provide additional manpower and specialized resources.”
What To Know
FBI Special Agent Jonathan Trapp said the agency is now offering $10,000 per inmate, up from the previous $5,000, as the manhunt enters its third day. The escapees fled through a hole behind a toilet on Friday, with three of the original ten fugitives now back in custody.
The FBI reward comes in addition to separate rewards offered by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) $5,000 and CrimeStoppers $2,000, bringing the potential payout for information on each fugitive to $17,000.
The escaped inmates were named as: Dkenan Dennis, Gary C. Price, Robert Moody, Kendell Myles, Corey E. Boyd, Lenton J. VanBuren Jr., Jermaine Donald, Antoine T. Massey, Derrick D. Groves, Leo O. Tate Sr.
According to the sheriff’s office, Myles is back in custody after he was apprehended and returned by the Louisiana State Police. Earlier reporting from the sheriff’s office stated that Keith A. Lewis had also escaped, but he remained in custody.
By Friday evening, another fugitive had been captured. Officials found Robert Moody, 21, in New Orleans thanks to a Crimestoppers tip, according to Orleans Parish Sheriff’s Office, as reported by The Associated Press.
The seven remaining fugitives include individuals charged with serious offenses such as second-degree murder. Authorities have labeled them as “armed and dangerous.”
A multiagency task force comprising at least a dozen law enforcement agencies is conducting an expansive search throughout the region.
Sheriff Hutson attributed the escape to “defective locks” at the Orleans Justice Center, stating she had repeatedly requested funds to address the aging building. The jailbreak wasn’t immediately detected, with hours passing before sheriff’s officials discovered the escape and alerted New Orleans police.
What People Are Saying
In an earlier statement to Newsweek, the sheriff’s office said: “The Orleans Parish Sheriff’s Office is putting the public on alert as deputies and partner agencies are searching for detainees who escaped custody Friday, May 16. OPSO is working with local and state law enforcement agencies on the search to return them to custody. OPSO will provide additional information as the investigation precedes.”
Orleans Parish Sheriff Susan Hutson said, as reported by Newsweek: “We are launching a full investigation to determine how this escape occurred, including reviewing facility protocols, staff performance and physical security measures. Any lapses or failures that contributed to this incident will be addressed swiftly and with full accountability.”
What Happens Next
Law enforcement agencies urge the public to remain vigilant and report any information regarding the fugitives to authorities. Anyone with information is asked to call the FBI at 1-800-Call-FBI or send digital tips to fbi.gov/neworleansfugitives.
Reporting from the Associated Press contributed to this article.
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