The FBI has escalated its involvement in the ongoing search for seven inmates who are still at large after escaping from the Orleans Parish Jail in New Orleans early Friday morning.
Newsweek contacted the Orleans Parish Sheriff’s office via email on Sunday outside of usual working hours.
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 New Orleans 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.
“In addition, the FBI is offering a reward of up to $5,000 for tips leading to the arrest of any of the inmates.”
What To Know
As reported by Newsweek, investigators are examining a small opening inside a jail cell that is believed to have allowed at least one inmate to escape into a maintenance corridor, according to one current and one former law enforcement official who spoke to The Associated Press on condition of anonymity because they were not authorized to discuss the case publicly.
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 remaining fugitives include individuals charged with serious offenses such as second-degree murder. Authorities have labeled them as “armed and dangerous.”
Surveillance footage revealed the escapees left taunting messages, including “To Easy LoL,” near the breach point. The incident has prompted calls for a comprehensive review of jail protocols and infrastructure.
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
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