An inmate who allegedly threatened a maintenance worker into helping him and nine other men break out of a New Orleans jail had previously escaped from a detention center in North Louisiana, authorities said. Antoine Massey and another inmate broke out of the Morehouse Parish Detention Center in Collinston in 2019, before being recaptured in Lancaster, Texas, Morehouse Parish Sheriff’s Office Chief James Mardis told CNN Tuesday. Massey and the other inmate cut through wire in a chain link fence at the exercise yard of the facility and crawled under it in broad daylight back in August 2019, Mardis said. A vehicle with Texas tags was seen in the rural area and was believed to have picked up the men. Deputies and correction officers were at the scene within minutes, but the men had gotten away, he said. The men were taken into custody that evening in Texas, according to the sheriff’s office. Mardis said he was told of Massey’s second escape on Monday, though the Louisiana State Police had called to ask about the inmate over the weekend, he said. The chief did not know what Massey was being held on at the time, and is not aware of any previous jailbreaks before 2019. “It didn’t surprise me, because he was known for that,” Mardis said about learning that Massey had escaped once again. A maintenance worker said Massey threatened to shank him if he didn’t turn off the water to the cell they used in their breakout, according to a search warrant affidavit. Sterling Williams, a worker with the Orleans Parish Sheriff’s Office, “willfully and maliciously assisted” with the escape by turning off the water to cell 6, the affidavit said. Williams, 33, said he had done so under the instruction of Massey. If the water had still been on, “the plan to escape would not have been successful and potentially flooded the cell, drawing attention to their actions,” according to the affidavit. Six inmates — including Massey — are still on the run as of Tuesday, leaving New Orleans on high alert. The New Orleans district attorney said Monday some of his staff had left town, fearing for their safety. Massey and nine other men — facing an array of charges including aggravated assault with a firearm, false imprisonment with a weapon and murder — ultimately broke out of the Orleans Justice Center through a hole behind a metal toilet just after midnight Friday. Williams was arrested Tuesday and charged with one count of malfeasance in office and 10 counts of principal to simple escape. His arrest comes as tensions between local and state officials continue to rise, and authorities pledge to find anyone who aided in the brazen escape. CNN is working to determine whether Williams has an attorney. Louisiana Attorney General Liz Murrill told Fox News Tuesday that authorities believe Williams was involved over a period of time. “We think that it was more than just that night,” she said. “I can’t really give all the details of times and dates, but we believe this person had multiple days of involvement.” An agent with the Louisiana Bureau of Investigation described Williams as being initially “evasive and untruthful” before providing information, according to the affidavit. “This was a coordinated effort, aided by individuals inside our own agency, who made the choice to break the law,” Orleans Parish Sheriff Susan Hutson said Tuesday at a meeting of the city council’s criminal justice committee. Hutson noted the agency continues “to pursue everyone involved.” CNN’s Caroll Alvarado and Jason Morris contributed to this report.
New Orleans inmate who allegedly threatened maintenance worker into helping with breakout had escaped from jail before
TruthLens AI Suggested Headline:
"Inmate with Prior Escape History Allegedly Threatens Worker in New Orleans Jail Break"
CNN
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TruthLens AI Summary
Antoine Massey, an inmate who allegedly threatened a maintenance worker to assist in a jail break, has a history of escaping from detention. In 2019, he successfully escaped from the Morehouse Parish Detention Center in North Louisiana alongside another inmate. During that escape, they cut through a chain link fence in broad daylight and crawled under it, subsequently being picked up by a vehicle believed to have Texas plates. Although law enforcement responded quickly, both men evaded capture until they were apprehended later that day in Texas. Massey's recent escape, which occurred from the Orleans Justice Center, involved him and nine other inmates breaking through a hole behind a metal toilet shortly after midnight. The New Orleans district attorney's office has expressed concern for the safety of its staff, with some employees leaving town due to fears stemming from the escape. As of now, six inmates remain at large, prompting heightened security measures across the city.
The maintenance worker, Sterling Williams, who is accused of aiding in the escape, reportedly complied with Massey's threats, which included a warning of violence if he did not shut off the water to their cell. This action was deemed crucial for the escape plan, as leaving the water on could have led to flooding and alerted authorities. Williams has since been arrested and faces multiple charges, including malfeasance in office. Louisiana Attorney General Liz Murrill has indicated that Williams may have had prior involvement in the escape plan, suggesting that it was a coordinated effort involving individuals within the agency. Orleans Parish Sheriff Susan Hutson emphasized the agency's commitment to pursuing all individuals connected to this breach of security, highlighting the need for accountability and transparency in the ongoing investigation.
TruthLens AI Analysis
The article reveals a concerning incident involving a New Orleans inmate, Antoine Massey, who allegedly threatened a maintenance worker to facilitate an escape plan with several other inmates. This situation raises numerous questions about safety, security measures in correctional facilities, and the potential implications for the local community.
Intent Behind the Publication
The article likely aims to inform the public about the serious security breach within a local jail, highlighting the risks posed by inmates who have a history of escape. By focusing on Massey's background and his previous escape, the article underscores the importance of vigilance in correctional settings. It may also seek to provoke a discussion around the effectiveness of current prison policies and the need for reforms.
Public Sentiment and Perception
The narrative is crafted to elicit concern and fear among the community regarding the potential dangers posed by escaped inmates. It emphasizes the vulnerability of the jail system and the possibility of violent actions against staff and the public. This could lead to increased calls for stricter security measures and a general anxiety about safety in the area.
Potential Concealment of Information
While the article primarily focuses on the escape and the threats made by Massey, it does not delve deeply into the systemic issues that might have contributed to the escape, such as overcrowding, lack of resources, or inadequate staff training. This omission could be seen as an attempt to divert attention away from broader systemic problems within the correctional system.
Manipulative Aspects of the Article
The article carries a certain level of manipulative potential, as it emphasizes the violent nature of the escape and the threats made by Massey. This portrayal may invoke fear rather than a nuanced understanding of the circumstances surrounding prison escapes. The use of dramatic language and vivid descriptions of the threats could be interpreted as an effort to sensationalize the story, potentially skewing public perception against inmates or correctional facilities.
Comparative Context Within News
When compared to similar articles about inmate escapes or prison violence, this piece aligns with a trend of focusing on individual stories that highlight systemic failures. Such stories often rally public support for reform but can also serve to reinforce negative stereotypes about inmates, particularly those who have escaped.
Implications for Society, Economy, and Politics
This incident could lead to increased scrutiny of local law enforcement and correctional facilities, possibly resulting in political pressure to enhance security measures. Additionally, if the escapees commit further crimes, it may have economic repercussions, such as increased insurance costs, or a decline in property values in the area due to perceived safety risks.
Target Audience and Community Support
The article appears to target law-abiding citizens who prioritize safety and may have a vested interest in community security. It may resonate more with individuals who support tougher measures against crime, potentially aligning with conservative viewpoints on law enforcement and public safety.
Impact on Financial Markets
While this specific incident may not directly influence stock prices, it could impact local businesses or services related to security, law enforcement, or corrections. If there is a push for increased funding for security measures, businesses that provide related technologies or services may see a rise in interest.
Geopolitical Relevance
The article does not directly address global power dynamics but reflects ongoing issues of crime and punishment within the U.S. context. The themes of security and public safety are relevant in discussions of governance and law enforcement policies at both local and national levels.
Role of AI in News Creation
There is no explicit indication that AI was used in crafting this article. However, if AI were involved, it might have influenced the selection of language that emphasizes urgency and danger, potentially shaping the narrative to evoke stronger emotional responses from readers.
In conclusion, the article presents a story that is both alarming and revealing, shedding light on ongoing issues within the correctional system while also potentially manipulating public sentiment. The trustworthiness of the article is moderate; while it reports factual events, the framing and emphasis on fear may obscure broader systemic issues that deserve attention.