New Orleans jail custodian jailed for 2.5 years for enabling one of America's biggest-ever jailbreaks

Sterling Williams, 34, shut off a cell's water supply to clear a blocked toilet, allowing 10 inmates to remove it, crawl through the gap it left and climb a fence to escape in May 2025. His attorney maintained he had no knowledge of the escape plan and had simply failed to follow protocol by not submitting a work order. The escapees left a mocking graffiti note reading "To Easy LoL," and one convicted murderer spent five months at large before being discovered hiding under a house in Atlanta.

All 10 escapees were eventually recaptured and face aggravated escape charges at a jury trial scheduled for April.

At least 14 others — including friends and family who supplied food, cash, transport and shelter — were also arrested for aiding the breakout.

A grand jury earlier this year handed down 30 counts against then-Orleans Parish Sheriff Susan Hutson, charging her with malfeasance, obstruction of justice and falsifying public records.