Following a May 16 jailbreak from the Orleans Justice Center in New Orleans, law enforcement agencies have increased the reward for the apprehension of two remaining escapees, Derrick Groves and Antoine Massey. The FBI, Crime Stoppers New Orleans, and the ATF have all raised their bounty for each fugitive to $20,000, with the potential for a combined total of $50,000 if information leads to the capture of both individuals. Law enforcement officials are urging the public to come forward with any information while maintaining anonymity for those who assist in the investigation.
Crime Stoppers New Orleans President Darlene Cusanza stated that the increased bounty is a result of collaborative efforts between the agency and the ATF, and emphasized that informants can remain anonymous while providing crucial information. FBI Special Agent Jonathan Tapp reiterated the agency’s commitment to finding the fugitives, stating that they are utilizing all available resources. He also highlighted the FBI’s strict confidentiality policies for informants, noting that they will handle every lead with discretion.
Antoine Massey, a known escape artist, had previously escaped custody three times. He was awaiting trial on charges of domestic abuse, vehicle theft, and a parole violation. Meanwhile, Derrick Groves had pleaded guilty to two counts of manslaughter and was scheduled for sentencing in July. As of now, the other eight escapees from the initial break-out have all been recaptured, and 14 people have been arrested for allegedly aiding the fugitives.
Law enforcement officials have expressed confidence in recapturing the remaining fugitives, citing the recent arrests of 14 individuals who allegedly provided assistance during the escape. The Louisiana State Police, the FBI, ATF, U.S. Marshals, and the New Orleans Police Department are working in coordination to track down the fugitives. The agencies are set to hold a joint press conference to update the public on the status of the investigation and the progress made in finding the two remaining escapees.
Former federal prison warden Cameron Lindsay commented on the apparent oversight in placing Antoine Massey in a first-floor cell, noting that his history of multiple escapes warranted more stringent security measures. Lindsay suggested that the former warden would have required frequent, documented checks on the inmate and strict adherence to safety protocols for high-risk individuals. He emphasized that such measures are critical to ensuring the safety of both the public and the correctional staff.
The incident has raised questions about the adequacy of security measures in local jails and the risks associated with housing high-profile escapees in facilities that may not be equipped to handle their level of danger. As the search continues, law enforcement remains focused on locating the remaining fugitives and bringing those who aided them to justice while ensuring the integrity of the investigation.