*In a dramatic escalation following the escape of 10 inmates from a New Orleans jail on May 16, authorities have arrested at least 14 individuals, many of them friends and family, for providing aid to the fugitives.
As CNN reports, court documents reveal a network of accomplices who allegedly supplied food, money, transportation, and shelter to the escapees, who broke out by cutting a hole behind a toilet. With two fugitives, convicted murderer Derrick Groves and Antoine Massey, accused of kidnapping and rape, still on the run, the FBI has increased rewards to $50,000 per fugitive, urging the public to report tips.
Among those implicated, a former jail staff member allegedly transported escapee Lenton Vanburen to a family member’s residence and arranged a FaceTime call with his relatives on the day of the breakout. Separately, another person is accused of offering Vanburen a vacant apartment as a hideout.
“We understand that some of you might be reporting a friend, a loved one, a relative and albeit not easy, it is critical to your safety and the safety of the public that you report them,” said Jonathan Tapp, FBI New Orleans special agent in charge. Several accomplices face felony charges of accessory after the fact, with bonds set at $1 million or higher.
Police reports detail how escapees used internet phone services to evade detection, with Corey Boyd allegedly threatening a contact for money and iCloud access. Massey’s sister, accused of lying to authorities and deleting evidence, slowed the manhunt, costing “critical days and hours.”
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A woman linked to Massey, despite past abuse and a protective order, reportedly hoped he would “never get caught.” Meanwhile, Vanburen’s sisters and others provided him with resources, leading to his capture in Baton Rouge.
As the search continues, Colonel Robert Hodges emphasized, “They’re tired, they’re looking over their shoulder, looking for resources. I think the advantage goes to law enforcement and we need the public’s help to ensure that we keep that advantage.”
Authorities have apprehended eight of the escapees.
MORE NEWS ON EURWEB.COM: 10 Inmates Escape New Orleans Jail in Bold Overnight Breakout and Wrote ‘Too Easy LoL’ Before Fleeing | WATCH
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