Orleans Parish Sheriff Susan Hutson has been indicted by a grand jury in connection with the escape of 10 inmates from a New Orleans jail, an incident that occurred under her supervision. The indictment, which includes 30 counts, charges Hutson with malfeasance, obstruction of justice, and falsifying public records.
Details of the Jailbreak
The escape took place when inmates crawled through a hole behind a toilet and scaled a barbed wire fence. They left behind graffiti reading "To Easy LoL." The jail did not realize the inmates were missing for more than seven hours. All escapees were eventually captured after a monthslong search.
Prosecutor's Statement
Louisiana Attorney General Liz Murrill stated that the investigation found Hutson's poor management directly contributed to the escape. "While Sheriff Hutson did not personally open the doors of the jail for the escapees, her refusal to comply with basic legal requirements and to take even minimal precautions in the discharge of her duties directly contributed to and enabled the escape," Murrill said.
Hutson's Response
In a farewell address on Tuesday, Hutson acknowledged the challenges her office faced, saying the jailbreak "tested us to the limit." She added that her office "responded with professionalism, urgency, and resilience, and we came out stronger because of it." Hutson had previously blamed political opponents without evidence and cited faulty door locks, noting she sought funding for infrastructure improvements.
Legal Proceedings
Court records show Hutson's bond is set at $300,000, and she was ordered to surrender her passport and not leave the state. Bianka Brown, the chief financial officer of the sheriff's office, was also indicted on 20 similar charges. She did not respond to requests for comment.
Reactions
State officials and some city leaders criticized Hutson for poor management and for not alerting authorities in a timely manner. The indictment highlights the ongoing scrutiny of jail operations in New Orleans.
