Escape from New Orleans Jail
NEW ORLEANS (AP) – Over two weeks ago, ten men executed a daring escape from a New Orleans jail by cutting a hole behind a toilet. Their flight to freedom was not a solitary effort; it involved the support of at least fifteen accomplices, many of whom were friends and family offering food, cash, transport, and shelter, according to court documents.
Reports reviewed by The Associated Press depict various forms of assistance provided to the fugitives both before and after their escape. This included individuals named in police documents who have not yet faced any charges.
Direct Assistance from Former Jail Staff
A former jail employee was implicated in the escape plan, having allegedly driven one of the escapees, Lenton Vanburen, to a relative’s house. On the day of the escape, the employee reportedly facilitated a FaceTime call between Vanburen and his family. Another friend of Vanburen’s offered him a safe location in a vacant apartment, which he was contracted to repaint.
Reports state that others provided financial assistance through various app platforms and misled authorities during investigations by either false statements or by communicating with the escapees. As a result, several of these accomplices are now facing bail amounts of $1 million or more, primarily for the felony charge of accessory after the fact.
Increased Reward for Information
Amidst growing concerns over public safety, local authorities raised the reward to $50,000 for information leading to the capture of the remaining two escapees: convicted murderer Derrick Groves and Antoine Massey, who has charges of kidnapping and rape pending against him.
“We realize that some of you may be reporting a friend, loved one, or family member, which may not be easy, but it is crucial for your safety and the public’s wellbeing that you come forward,” emphasized Jonathan Tapp, special agent in charge of the FBI New Orleans office.
Involvement of Acquaintances
After the escape occurred in the early hours of May 16, a woman who is associated with Groves allegedly played a direct role in helping transport Vanburen. This unnamed woman, who has not yet been charged in connection with the escape, reportedly shares a name with a former Orleans Parish Sheriff’s Office employee who was arrested earlier in 2023 for bringing a folding knife and illegal substances into the jail.
The District Attorney’s office indicated that the previous charges against the former employee were dropped due to her lack of a criminal history and completion of a pretrial diversion program. She has denied any involvement in the escape or smuggling contraband.
Plumbing Issues and Evidence Response
Authorities arrested a jail plumber believed to have played a part in the men’s escape. However, the plumber’s attorney contends that he was merely attempting to resolve a plumbing issue and not involved in any criminal activity.
Digital Encryption and Fugitives’ Communication
Several escapees, including Massey, utilized internet phone services to evade detection by avoiding cellular signals. Reports reveal that Corey Boyd, another escapee, used an internet phone service to contact various individuals, soliciting money and access to their iCloud accounts. Boyd even threatened to kill someone if they did not comply with his requests.
FBI investigations into Boyd’s calls led to the discovery of a brief conversation on a new number in the wake of the escape. This prompted them to track him down, where it was discovered that Boyd’s aunt was assisting him by messaging through Instagram to secure food while he was in hiding. He was ultimately captured by a SWAT team on May 20.
Complex Relationships and Protection Orders
One woman involved in assisting Massey, characterized by police as his ‘paramour’, had a history of physical abuse from him. She had previously sought legal protection against Massey after he attempted to strangle her and later misled law enforcement about his whereabouts post-escape. Court records detail her communication with Massey’s sister, expressing that they hoped he “never gets caught”.
Law enforcement had a stakeout positioned at the New Orleans home of Massey’s sister. However, a search conducted six days after the escape yielded no leads. It was revealed that Massey had been present in the residence beforehand, reportedly having tampered with evidence on his sister’s phone.
Community Involvement and Support for the Manhunt
Authorities noted that at least seven individuals facing felony charges for aiding the escapees were connected to Lenton Vanburen. In the hours leading up to his breakout, Vanburen contacted both of his sisters and instructed them to reach out to “my girl” for assistance with a “clean phone”.
The woman named by law enforcement as Vanburen’s love interest has asserted that she never received such a phone and denies any knowledge of the escape plans. Vanburen’s sisters offered him a place to shower and change clothes after the escape and arranged for his transportation to a relative’s home in Mississippi.
Current Status of the Investigation
Vanburen was apprehended in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, with reports indicating two other individuals were also arrested for helping him secure accommodation in a hotel, the costs of which were covered in cash, as well as an apartment that was undergoing renovations. As of now, no legal representation is on record for those arrested in the Baton Rouge court system.
In another scenario, a 59-year-old woman from Louisiana is alleged to have sent money to Jermaine Donald, another fugitive, as per her attorney’s statements.
Lindsey Hortenstine, director of communications for the Orleans Parish Public Defenders’ office, mentioned that most individuals apprehended for assisting the fugitives have not yet retained legal counsel. Louisiana State Police Superintendent Colonel Robert Hodges reiterated the urgent need for community assistance in locating the remaining fugitives.
“They’re exhausted, constantly looking over their shoulders for any resources,” stated Hodges. “Law enforcement has the advantage, but we rely on the public’s support to maintain that edge.”
