NEW ORLEANS, LA — A former Orleans Parish Sheriff’s Office employee was arrested Monday in connection with the ongoing manhunt for two escaped inmates, raising serious concerns about internal corruption and jail security protocols.
Louisiana Attorney General Liz Murrill confirmed the arrest of 28-year-old Darriana Burton, who previously worked for the Orleans Parish Sheriff’s Office (OPSO) from August 2022 to March 2023. Burton is believed to have assisted Derrick Groves in planning his escape from custody and is also suspected to be his current girlfriend.
Timeline and Arrest Details
Burton was taken into custody by the U.S. Marshals Service in New Orleans following the issuance of an arrest warrant on May 27. She faces a felony charge of conspiracy to commit simple escape. According to the arrest affidavit, Burton allegedly facilitated communications between Groves and outside contacts and shared information to aid in his breakout.
“This woman knowingly coordinated with an escaped felon. That’s not just irresponsible—it’s criminal,” Attorney General Murrill stated in a press release. “We will arrest all aiders and abettors, and we will eventually get Antoine Massey and Derrick Groves back to prison where they belong.”
Officials confirmed that Burton and Groves had an “on-again, off-again” relationship spanning three years. The couple is believed to currently be involved, deepening suspicions about her role in the escape.
Notably, Burton was previously arrested in 2023 while employed at OPSO for allegedly bringing contraband into the jail and malfeasance in office. However, the Orleans Parish District Attorney’s Office declined to pursue those charges at the time.
Broader Context and Concerns
The incident has stirred renewed scrutiny of Louisiana’s criminal justice system, especially as it pertains to the vulnerability of correctional institutions to internal breaches. Nationwide, staff-related breaches are a growing concern; according to the Bureau of Justice Statistics, approximately 5% of escape attempts in U.S. correctional facilities between 2015 and 2020 involved insider assistance.
“This isn’t just about one bad actor. This is about a breakdown in trust and procedure,” said Marcia Hill, a criminal justice reform advocate with the New Orleans Community Oversight Coalition. “When people working in law enforcement become complicit in criminal behavior, the public is the one left less safe.”
The escapees, Derrick Groves and Antoine Massey, remain at large as of Monday evening. Law enforcement agencies are continuing their search and have urged the public to provide any tips that may help in locating the fugitives.
Legal and Civic Implications
Burton’s arrest and prior unprosecuted charges raise questions about employee vetting and accountability within OPSO. Attorney General Murrill emphasized that the state will no longer tolerate leniency in cases involving jail security.
“The integrity of our justice system depends on full accountability. If DA offices won’t prosecute these violations, we will,” Murrill said.
The state attorney general’s office has signaled that further arrests may be forthcoming as investigations continue into anyone who may have assisted Groves and Massey.
Community Response and Next Steps
Community leaders are calling for an independent review of OPSO hiring and supervision practices to prevent future breaches. Meanwhile, residents in the greater New Orleans area are being asked to remain vigilant.
Were you affected by this escape or have information that could aid in the manhunt? Contact local law enforcement or share your experience in the comments.
