On May 16, 2025, ten inmates escaped from the Orleans Parish Prison in New Orleans by removing a toilet and creating a hole in the wall. Authorities have described the escape as an “inside job.” A maintenance worker, Sterling Williams, was arrested for allegedly shutting off the water supply to the cell, facilitating the escape. Williams’ attorney claims he believed the toilet was clogged.

Two women, Cortnie Harris and Corvanntay Baptiste, were also arrested and charged with being accessories after the fact. Harris is accused of transporting two escapees to various locations in New Orleans, while Baptiste allegedly provided food and maintained phone contact with one of the escapees.

Five escapees have been recaptured, while the remaining five—Leo Tate, Jermaine Donald, Derrick Groves, Lenton Vanburen, and Antoine Massey—are still at large. The escapees range in age from 19 to 42 and were jailed for crimes including murder and domestic abuse.

In response to the escape, Orleans Parish Sheriff Susan Hutson has suspended her re-election campaign to focus on restoring public trust.