Girlfriend Ex-Corrections Employee and Girlfriend of Escaped Inmate Charged in New Orleans Jailbreak Plot
A former corrections employee has been arrested in New Orleans for allegedly helping plan the escape of an inmate still at large after a daring jailbreak from the Orleans Parish Correctional Center last month. The woman, identified as Darriana Burton, is accused of playing a key role in orchestrating the escape of Derrick Groves, one of two fugitives who remain on the run.
Agents with the Louisiana Bureau of Investigation, along with the U.S. Marshals, apprehended Burton on Monday without incident. She now faces a felony charge of conspiracy to commit simple escape, according to a statement from Louisiana Attorney General Liz Murrill.
“Burton is believed to be Groves’ current girlfriend. We’ve confirmed their on-again, off-again relationship has spanned the past three years,” Murrill said.
As of now, no defense attorney has been listed for her in Orleans Parish Magistrate Court records. Her arrest adds to a growing list of more than a dozen individuals who have been charged in connection with the escape, either for assisting before or after the inmates broke free.
Escape Plan Details Emerge
Investigators have uncovered new details about the escape, which involved inmates removing a sink-toilet unit in their cell, cutting through steel bars behind it using a tool, and slipping out of the facility after midnight on May 16.
An arrest affidavit reveals that Burton maintained contact with Groves in the days leading up to the escape, exchanging text messages and video calls via SmartCom, an internet-based messaging system available on facility-issued iPads.
According to the affidavit, the communications were deliberately vague, apparently to avoid detection. However, agents allege they indicated plans for more private conversations via unmonitored lines.
“It was implied that Burton would initiate a separate, unmonitored phone call immediately after the SmartCom session ended,” the affidavit states, adding that this behavior demonstrated her “intentional and active involvement in the planning phase of the escape.”
Two Inmates Still at Large, Considered Dangerous
Of the 10 inmates who escaped from the facility in May, eight have been recaptured—most within the New Orleans area. However, two men, including Groves, 27, and Antoine Massey, 32, remain at large.
Massey, who has a history of escaping custody, has also managed to evade capture. Authorities have warned the public that both fugitives should be considered armed and dangerous.
The U.S. Marshals Service and other agencies continue to pursue leads and urge the public to remain alert.
He also issued a stern warning: “To those that would aid or hide Groves and/or Massey, you are doing a disservice to the community, and you may face felony charges yourself.”
Social Media and Public Pleas
In the video, Massey reportedly appealed to both rapper Lil Wayne and former President Donald Trump for help. Despite the bizarre video and initial flurry of activity, the manhunt has since entered a quieter phase.
Nevertheless, Murrill emphasized that the search continues and no one involved will be spared accountability.