• New Orleans fugitive Antoine Massey escaped jail and taunts police with a viral Instagram video.
• Massey claims innocence, blames false charges, and asks for help from public figures.
• Authorities continue a costly manhunt while recapturing most escapees and arresting accomplices.

Antoine Massey, 32, escaped the Orleans Justice Center in New Orleans on May 16. He broke out with nine other inmates. Now, he remains on the run. Massey posted a video on Instagram where he taunts police and asks for help from public figures like Donald Trump. In the video, Massey claims he did not escape. Instead, he says the jail “let him out.” He insists that officials falsely accused him because of a jealous woman he was dating. Massey wants to clear his name and calls the charges against him lies.

How Massey and Others Used a Toilet Escape Route with Help from a Prison Worker

Police say a prison maintenance worker helped the inmates escape. He allegedly turned off water to their cell. Then, Massey and the others unscrewed a toilet. They slipped through a hole behind it. The worker, Sterling Williams, claims inmates threatened him with violence. He says they forced him to help or they would “shank” him. Massey denies this. He says Williams lied about the threats in his Instagram video. The escape route surprised many, showing how inmates took advantage of the plumbing system to get free.

Massey Claims Innocence and Blames Corruption for His Jail Break

In the video, Massey says officials planned to give him a life sentence for crimes he denies committing. He faces charges in two parishes. The charges include theft of a motor vehicle, domestic abuse involving strangulation, kidnapping, and rape. Massey blames these charges on a woman he was dating, who he says is jealous and made false accusations. He also says he holds paperwork proving others committed the assault crimes. However, no one has verified these documents yet. Massey asks for help from public figures who have faced corrupt systems, naming Donald Trump, rapper Lil Wayne, and NBA YoungBoy, who recently received a pardon.

Orleans Justice Center Calls on Massey to Surrender and Warns About Extra Charges

After the video went viral, the Orleans Justice Center responded quickly. They urged Massey to turn himself in. The jail said cooperating with police benefits him. It could help him avoid extra charges. The center stressed that justice must follow proper procedures. They warned Massey that continuing to run from the law could worsen his situation. Meanwhile, authorities keep searching for him and his accomplice Derrick Groves, 27. Eight other inmates who escaped have already been caught.

Manhunt Costs Rise as Federal Agencies Join the Search for Escapees

Police and federal agents work hard to capture Massey and Groves. The manhunt involves several agencies, including the ATF and FBI. The search costs have climbed to more than half a million dollars. Authorities have not confirmed if Massey’s video is truthful. But it has gained hundreds of thousands of views on social media. The ongoing search remains a top priority for law enforcement in New Orleans.

Massey’s Long Criminal History Includes Multiple Jail Escapes and Violent Crimes

Massey has a criminal record dating back to 2009. His past crimes include armed robbery, fleeing police, and illegally possessing a firearm as a felon. He has escaped custody five times before, including twice by cutting off ankle monitors. His pattern of running from the law makes him very dangerous. Police remain cautious in their efforts to capture him quickly.

Police Arrest More Than a Dozen Accomplices Including an Inmate’s Grandmother

The investigation also led to arrests of more than a dozen suspected helpers. One key figure is Connie Weeden, 59, the grandmother of inmate Jermaine Donald. Police say she regularly spoke with her grandson before and after the jailbreak. She allegedly sent him money through a phone app to support his life on the run. Authorities accuse her of aiding and abetting the escape, which carries serious consequences.

List of Recaptured Inmates Returned to Orleans Justice Center

So far, police have caught and returned seven escapees to jail. They include Corey Boyd, 20; Kendall Myles, 21; Gary Price, 21; Dkenan Dennis, 24; Robert Moody, 22; Leo Tate, 32; and Lenton Vanburen Jr., 27. The search continues for Massey, Groves, and the remaining fugitives. Police remain alert and urge the public to report any sightings.