In a major update, law enforcement now offers a higher reward for clues that lead to catching the escapees from the Orleans Justice Center in New Orleans. Two men, Derek Groves and Antoine Massey, have been on the run for nearly three weeks after breaking out on May 16. Police now work hard to find them.
The FBI and Crime Stoppers New Orleans each promise $20,000 for tips. The ATF adds a $10,000 bonus. With these offers, a tip that leads to arrest could earn up to $50,000 per man.
Antoine Massey is known for avoiding capture. He faces trial on charges that include domestic assault with strangulation, car theft, and a parole breach. He has escaped three times before. His record of removing ankle monitors makes his capture even more urgent.
During a recent news meeting, Louisiana law workers spoke with deep worry. Crime Stoppers’ leader, Darlene Cusanza, asked for help from the public and promised that all tip-givers would remain anonymous. Federal agents said they would keep every clue private.
Officers now focus on catching Massey and Groves and on finding out how they managed to slip away. A former prison warden, Cameron Lindsay, argued that low-level checks did not stop Massey from escaping once again.
Eight prisoners who left with Massey and Groves have already been caught. Fourteen more people face arrest for helping the escape, which may point to a wider plan.
Police from the Louisiana State Police and U.S. Marshals now work side by side. They hope that the higher rewards will bring in strong clues and lead Massey back to jail soon.
