New Orleans Sheriff Faces 30-Count Indictment as Term Ends

The New Orleans sheriff, Susan Hutson, and her chief financial officer, Bianka Brown, were indicted on a 30-count and a 20-count slate respectively, alleging malfeasance, conspiracy, payroll fraud and obstruction linked to jail operations and a May 2025 mass escape. Hutson’s term ends soon; bonds were set at $300,000 for Hutson and $200,000 for Brown, passports must be surrendered, and both must stay in Louisiana. Former interim New Orleans police chief Michelle Woodfork will take office in May to replace Hutson, with officials pledging accountability and improved jail oversight.