NEW ORLEANS, LA — Girlfriend of Escaped Inmate Arrested as Manhunt for Two Fugitives Continues
NEW ORLEANS, LA – The girlfriend of one of two remaining fugitives from a high-profile jail escape in New Orleans has been arrested in connection with her alleged role in helping her partner flee, Louisiana State Police announced on Monday.
Derrick Groves, one of 10 inmates who escaped from the Orleans Justice Center on May 16, remains at large, along with fellow escapee Antoine Massey. The escape triggered an intensive law enforcement response and widespread public concern, as authorities launched a multi-agency manhunt to track down the fugitives.
According to police, the woman, whose name has not yet been officially released pending charges, is accused of providing assistance to Groves in orchestrating his escape. Investigators believe she may have helped facilitate communication between Groves and individuals on the outside who were involved in planning and executing the jailbreak. Her arrest marks yet another development in what officials have called a “deeply troubling and coordinated” breach of jail security.
In total, eight of the 10 escapees have been captured over the past three weeks, but the hunt for Groves and Massey continues. Authorities have issued state and federal warrants for both men and warned the public to consider them dangerous.
Inside Job: An Expanding Conspiracy
As the investigation has widened, more than a dozen people have now been arrested on suspicion of aiding the escape. Among them is a jail maintenance worker who allegedly played a key role in creating the physical opportunity for the inmates to flee. According to reports, the worker is accused of shutting off the water supply to a toilet in one of the jail units — a move that allowed inmates to remove the toilet fixture and gain access to internal infrastructure, ultimately leading them out of the facility.
Adding to the concern, authorities have arrested another inmate still housed at the Orleans Justice Center, suspected of helping coordinate the break from within the jail.
“This was not a spontaneous event — this was a coordinated and calculated escape,” said a spokesperson for the Louisiana State Police. “We’re continuing to track down every lead, and we will hold accountable everyone involved — inside and outside the jail.”
Background on the Escape
The Orleans Justice Center, which has faced criticism over security lapses and management issues in recent years, came under renewed scrutiny following the May 16 escape. The facility, operated by the Orleans Parish Sheriff’s Office, is supposed to house inmates in a secure environment, but this incident has revealed vulnerabilities that are now the subject of internal and external investigations.
The group of escapees exploited what officials have described as a “design flaw” in a jail pod, escaping through a maintenance shaft before making their way out of the building entirely undetected for several hours. By the time officials realized the inmates were missing, they had already scattered throughout the city and beyond.
Local and federal law enforcement agencies, including the U.S. Marshals Service, have been assisting with the manhunt and the investigation into those who may have assisted in the escape.
Who Are the Fugitives?
Derrick Groves, the inmate whose girlfriend was arrested, was being held on charges including aggravated assault and drug-related offenses. Antoine Massey, the other fugitive still at large, was being detained on armed robbery and weapons charges. Both men are considered high-risk and should not be approached by the public, officials say.
Authorities have urged anyone with information about the whereabouts of Groves or Massey to call Crimestoppers at 504-822-1111. Tips can be made anonymously, and a reward is being offered for information leading to their capture.
Fallout and Reforms
The Orleans Parish Sheriff’s Office has faced mounting pressure from city officials and the public to explain how such a large-scale escape could have happened and what measures are being taken to prevent future incidents. The sheriff has pledged a full review of protocols and physical infrastructure at the jail.
Meanwhile, the community remains on alert as the manhunt enters its fourth week.
“This has shaken the public’s confidence in our correctional system,” said a New Orleans city council member. “It’s not just about catching the remaining escapees — it’s about restoring accountability and ensuring this never happens again.”
Further arrests and updates are expected as the investigation continues.