Former New Orleans Police Chief Details Sheriff Susan Hutson’s “Checkered Past” After 5 Violent Escapees Remain Free

Ten inmates blasted through a New Orleans jail wall last week.

Now, a former police chief is laying into the sheriff, citing a seriously “checkered past.”

Chaos Unfolds After Inmates Punch Hole in Wall

Authorities were blindsided last Thursday morning when 10 inmates managed to escape from the Orleans Parish Justice Center.

The incredible breakout was reportedly achieved by making a hole behind a toilet in a jail cell.

Five of the escapees have since been recaptured.

However, five violent offenders remain on the run, sparking major concerns across the city.

Sheriff Responds, Temporarily Halts Campaign

In the wake of the security breach, Sheriff Susan Hutson announced a temporary suspension of her re-election campaign.

She released a statement acknowledging her role in the incident.

As I said today, I take full accountability for the breach that occurred under my leadership. I am grateful to the community, our law enforcement partners and city and state leaders for helping us to secure the Orleans Justice Center and capture the remaining escapees.

Hutson added that immediate actions, including suspensions and an arrest, have been taken.

She pledged to focus on security, accountability, and public safety rather than politics right now.

Staffing and Conditions Under Scrutiny

Reports indicate the jail was operating at only 60% staffing levels when the escape occurred.

At the time, just four supervisors and 36 staff members were overseeing 1,400 inmates.

The Orleans Justice Center has faced increasing criticism over its conditions.

Issues like drug smuggling, inmate violence, and inadequate mental health care have been noted.

Federal monitors have highlighted “major gaps in safety and supervision” in recent reports.

Comparisons to the previous sheriff’s administration show regression in key safety categories under Hutson’s leadership.

One report noted monitors “witnessed the most unsupervised jail units in recent memory” since Hutson took over.

Sheriff Hutson had previously sought a tax increase to boost the sheriff’s office budget, but voters overwhelmingly rejected it.

She has cited a need for 150 additional deputies to handle a significant increase in the inmate population.

Arrests Made in Connection with Escape

Investigations into the jailbreak quickly led to arrests.

Correctional officer Sterling Williams was arrested, accused of aiding the inmates’ escape.

Additionally, two other individuals, Cortnie Harris and Corvanntay Baptiste, have been accused of providing assistance to the escapees.

The question of how an employee could allegedly facilitate such a breach is now central to the fallout.

Former Chief Lays Bare Criticisms

Now, a prominent voice in New Orleans law enforcement history is speaking out.

Former New Orleans Police Department Superintendent Ronal Serpas didn’t hold back his criticism of Sheriff Hutson following the mass escape.

Serpas detailed specific points regarding her tenure and past roles.

Sheriff Hutson has had a very checkered past in the last 15 years in the city of New Orleans, with multiple complaints of administrative failures as the [former] independent police monitor, multiple complaints as the sheriff and the consent decree management and multiple complaints of ethical violations that have resulted in findings by the Louisiana Ethics Board.

The former chief pulled no punches when describing the impact on the city.

It’s no surprise to the people of New Orleans that incompetence is key to her leadership style, and the people deserve so much better.

Serpas, now a criminology professor, also commented on the arrest of the jail employee, questioning how the sheriff didn’t see “red flags on an appointment.”

There is no question that it’s difficult to hire people to work in the jail environment. There is no question that there are many examples across the country of jail employees violating their oath and office. It’s a thing that sheriffs just know what to look out for. And here we have another example of this particular sheriff … not knowing how to actually lead or be ethical in that leadership.

The Search Continues for Five Violent Fugitives

As the controversy swirls, law enforcement remains focused on the immediate threat.

A violent offender warrant squad, joined by the FBI and U.S. Marshals, is actively searching for the five men still at large.

More than 200 officers are involved in the intense manhunt.

Authorities have warned that anyone found aiding the escapees will face charges as an accomplice.

Rewards are being offered for information leading to their capture, including up to $5,000 from the FBI.

The five remaining escapees are:

• Lenton J. Vanburen Jr. (weapons, firearm felon, obstruction, contraband)
• Jermaine Donald (second-degree murder, aggravated battery, firearm felon, obstruction)
• Antoine Massey (domestic abuse, theft of motor vehicle, parole violation)
• Derrick Groves (attempted second-degree murder, second-degree murder, battery of correctional employee)
• Leo O. Tate Sr. (simple burglary, firearm felon, illegal carrying weapon, motor vehicle theft, drug counts)

The incident highlights the critical challenges facing the Orleans Parish Justice Center and puts the spotlight firmly on the leadership responsible for its security.