Guard charged with a crime after prisoner escapes

Louisiana residents have likely heard news coverage of the escape of a prisoner who is believed to be a danger to anyone with whom he comes in contact. The case has a number of unusual aspects, not the least of which is the assertion that one of the guards tasked with containing the prisoner acted to help him escape. The case has left that guard charged with a crime in connection to the escape.

The escape took place as the prisoner was being transported via van between the Eastern Louisiana State Mental Hospital and the Orleans Parish criminal courthouse. The prisoner was expected to attend a hearing on charges of stalking and battery of a correctional officer. The 24-year-old man was serving a term for murder at the time of his escape. No report of the escape was made to the public for a period of 10 hours after the incident. In addition, details surrounding the escape have not been released.

The guard, a 37-year-old male, was observed meeting with the prisoner just days prior to the escape. In doing so, it is alleged that the guard left his assigned post. It is unclear if the same guard was involved in the transport of the prisoner. The guard has been charged with malfeasance in office.

As the investigation moves forward, additional information may become available. The guard who has been charged with a crime would be wise to take an immediate and aggressive legal stance in the matter, in order to avoid conviction and retain his position at the Louisiana facility. As of the time of this report, the escaped prisoner has not been located and taken back into custody.

Source: The Times-Picayune, “Guard arrested after prisoner escapes, causes Mid-City manhunt”, Carlie Kollath Wells, April 2, 2015