Increasing Ten men who escaped from a New Orleans jail more than two weeks ago by cutting a hole behind a toilet were reportedly aided by at least 14 individuals — many of them friends and family — who provided essentials such as food, money, transportation, and shelter, according to court documents.
Increasing Records reviewed by The Associated Press reveal that the fugitives received assistance both before and after their daring escape. Several people mentioned in police reports have not yet been charged, though their involvement is under investigation.
Increasing Among those implicated is a former jail employee who allegedly drove escapee Lenton Vanburen to a relative’s house and helped him use FaceTime to contact family members on the day of the breakout. In a separate instance, another acquaintance reportedly gave Vanburen a temporary hideout in an empty apartment he was hired to repaint.
Increasing Authorities say others helped by sending money through mobile payment apps, misleading law enforcement during questioning, and maintaining contact with the escapees through calls and messages. Several of these individuals are now in custody with bond amounts set at $1 million or more. Most face felony charges as accessories after the fact.
Increasing In a city where deep-rooted distrust of the criminal justice system persists, authorities on Thursday increased the reward to $50,000 for information leading to the capture of each remaining fugitive.
Increasing “But for the safety of the public and your own well-being, it is essential that you come forward.”
Former Jail Employee Linked to Escape, Though No Charges Filed
Following the bold jail break in the early hours of May 16, court documents reveal that a woman described by police as being “associated” with escapee Derrick Groves helped transport.
Although she has not been charged with assisting the escape, court records indicate she shares a name with a former employee of the Orleans Parish Sheriff’s Office. In 2023, that employee was arrested for attempting to smuggle contraband into the jail — including a folding knife and a bag of Cheetos filled with tobacco and marijuana. Those charges were later dropped, in part due to her clean criminal record, and she successfully completed a pretrial diversion program, according to the Orleans Parish District Attorney’s office.
In a text message to an Associated Press reporter, the woman denied both bringing contraband into the jail and having any involvement in aiding the fugitives.
In a separate development, authorities also arrested a jail plumber who is accused of assisting with the escape. However, his attorney argues that he was merely attempting to unclog a toilet and had no role in helping the inmates flee.
Phone Records Lead to Key Arrests in Jailbreak Case
According to police reports, several of the escaped inmates, including Antoine Massey, used internet-based phone services to communicate with accomplices and evade capture by avoiding detectable cellular signals.
One escapee, Corey Boyd, allegedly used an internet phone app to contact multiple individuals, asking for money and access to their iCloud accounts. Court records reveal that Boyd even threatened to kill one person who refused to cooperate.
The FBI traced months of jailhouse calls between Boyd and his most frequent contact. After the escape, investigators identified a short call made from a new number the following night, which led to a breakthrough in locating Boyd. Authorities also found that Boyd’s aunt had been messaging him on Instagram, helping him obtain food while he hid out in an apartment. He was ultimately captured by a SWAT team on May 20.
Domestic Abuse Survivor Among Those Arrested
Among those accused of aiding the escapees is a woman who, court records show, had been a victim of prolonged physical abuse by Massey. Despite previously filing a protective order against him—citing a violent incident in which he tried to strangle her—she allegedly knew about his escape plan and later misled investigators about his whereabouts, according to police.
The complex web of relationships and communications among the fugitives and their helpers continues to be a central focus of the ongoing investigation.
She exchanged messages with Massey’s 31-year-old sister, expressing hope that he would “never get caught,” according to investigators.
Authorities surveilled the sister’s New Orleans residence in the days following the escape, but a search conducted six days later yielded no sign of Massey. Investigators later determined that Massey had been at the home prior to the raid and had tampered with evidence on his sister’s phone, including deleting and altering data.
Court records allege that Massey’s sister lied to law enforcement during their investigation, which significantly delayed the manhunt. Police say her actions cost them “critical days and hours” in their pursuit of the fugitive.
Authorities Urge Public Cooperation as More Aides to Fugitives Identified
Authorities say that at least seven individuals now facing felony charges for assisting the escapees have direct ties to Lenton Vanburen Jr.
In the hours leading up to the jailbreak, Vanburen reportedly called two of his sisters from prison and instructed them to contact “my girl” and provide her with a “clean phone” so they could communicate without detection.
Vanburen’s sisters met up with him the night of the escape at a relative’s home, where he was able to shower, change clothes, and was given toiletries. Later, another family member allegedly transported him across state lines to a relative’s residence in Mississippi.
As the manhunt continues, officials are urging the public to come forward with any information that could help locate the remaining fugitives or those who may have helped them along the way.
Vanburen Captured; Authorities Say Public Help Remains Crucial
According to authorities, two men arrested this week are accused of helping him secure shelter at a hotel — paid for in cash — and later in an apartment that was under renovation. Court records in Baton Rouge show no indication that either man has legal representation at this time.
In a separate case, a 59-year-old Louisiana woman is accused of sending money to fugitive Jermaine Donald, described by her attorney as a family friend.
Louisiana State Police Superintendent Colonel Robert Hodges emphasized that continued tips from the public — particularly from those close to the fugitives — are critical in locating the remaining escapees.
“They’re exhausted, constantly watching their backs, and running low on resources,” Hodges said. “Law enforcement currently has the upper hand, but we need the public’s assistance to maintain that advantage.”