US News
New Orleans jail custodian sentenced to 2.5 years over 10-inmate escape
According to ABC News, Sterling Williams was sentenced to 2.5 years after pleading guilty over a jail escape that freed 10 inmates.
The short version
- Custodian Sterling Williams, 34, pleaded guilty to malfeasance in office and was sentenced to 2.5 years for enabling a 10-inmate escape.[ABC News]
- Williams's attorney says he did not intentionally help the escapees, though he acknowledged making mistakes.[ABC News]
- An additional 2.5 years of the sentence is suspended, with three years of probation, and the state dropped 10 charges of being a principal to aggravated escape.[ABC News]
Key facts
- Custodian Sterling Williams, 34, pleaded guilty to one count of malfeasance in office.[ABC News]
- Williams was sentenced Thursday to 2.5 years in prison for enabling 10 inmates to escape.[ABC News]
- The escape occurred through a hole behind a toilet after Williams turned off that cell's water.[ABC News]
- An additional 2.5 years of Williams' sentence is suspended, and he will receive three years of probation.[ABC News]
- The state dropped 10 charges against Williams of being a principal to aggravated escape.[ABC News]
What remains uncertain
- Whether Williams intentionally aided the escape is disputed; his attorney says he did not, according to ABC News reporting.[ABC News]
Sources
Outlet counts describe coverage, not independent confirmation. Reports may share a wire service or original source.