Louisiana sheriff indicted over Orleans jail escape that freed 10 inmates

Orleans Parish Sheriff Susan Hutson was indicted on 30 counts, including malfeasance and obstruction of justice, over her office’s role in the jail escape of 10 inmates from the Orleans Parish Justice Center; prosecutors say her mismanagement and failure to follow basic procedures enabled the escape, even though she did not personally open doors. The inmates were recaptured after about a month. Hutson, who is leaving office after losing reelection, posted $300,000 bond, and her CFO Bianka Brown was indicted on 20 counts. The case comes amid decades of jail problems and federal oversight since 2013, with officials citing understaffing and design flaws as contributing factors.