New Orleans jail mistakenly releases violent offender due to 'human error'; investigation underway
Share and Follow

NEWYou can now listen to Fox News articles!

A violent offender was mistakenly released from the Orleans Parish Jail due to a clerical error, according to the Orleans Parish Sheriff’s Office. 

The inmate, Khalil Bryan, was discharged Friday despite facing multiple charges. The office confirmed that an internal investigation is now in motion in a statement to WDSU.

In the statement released by the Orleans Parish Sheriff’s Office, Sheriff Susan Hutson acknowledged the mistake and accepted responsibility.

“The Orleans Parish Sheriff’s Office takes full responsibility for the clerical error that led to the mistaken release of Khalil Bryan, and we offer our sincere apology to the public, our law enforcement partners and the court. This incident was the result of human error: a misidentification based on a shared last name between two individuals. We are currently conducting a full internal investigation, and I can confirm that disciplinary actions will occur,” Hutson said.

Sheriff Susan Hutson of the Orleans Parish Sheriff's Office.

Sheriff Susan Hutson takes responsibility for the mistaken release of Bryan from the Orleans Parish jail. (Associated Press)

Orleans Parish District Attorney Jason Williams issued a sharply worded statement after the mistaken release.

“We have been made aware that inmate Khalil Bryan was wrongfully released from custody by the Orleans Parish Sheriff’s Office earlier today due to a serious error in inmate processing,” Williams said.

“Despite those [bond] holds, Bryan was released in error when deputies, responding to a bond posted by an unrelated individual for another inmate, failed to properly verify identity and mistakenly discharged Bryan instead,” the DA added.

“This is a deeply troubling incident that underscores the ongoing systemic issues surrounding the exercise of custody and control over detained individuals. The failure to properly confirm the identity of an inmate prior to release is an unacceptable lapse that presents a real and immediate risk to public safety.”

Orleans Parish jail

The Orleans Parish jail faces another controversy this summer with the escape of ten inmates. (Associated Press)

“OPDA Victim Advocates have initiated victim outreach and will continue efforts until all victims and witnesses associated with Bryan’s prosecution are reached. Where we are unable to make contact, we are dispatching investigators to ensure the affected victims and their families are notified and receive appropriate support.

“The public deserves a justice system that operates with integrity, professionalism and vigilance, particularly when it comes to protecting victims.”

Hutson confirmed that all known victims have been notified. The District Attorney’s Office said investigators are actively working to reach anyone who may not have been contacted, including through in-person visits if needed.

This release comes 10 weeks after a high-profile escape from the same prison May 16, when 10 inmates fled from the Orleans Parish Jail. 

CCTV footage of 10 New Orleans inmates escaping from jail.

Ten violent escapees escape from the Orleans Parish Jail May 16. (Orleans Parish Sheriff’s Department)

Law enforcement is now working across parish lines to locate and detain Bryan.

“We urge anyone with information about Khalil Bryan’s whereabouts to immediately contact law enforcement,” the District Attorney’s Office said.

The Orleans Parish Sheriff’s Office and Orleans Parish District Attorney’s Office did not immediately respond to Fox News Digital’s request for comment.

Share and Follow
You May Also Like
Understudy shines in 'Evita' after Rachel Zegler's exit at intermission

Understudy Steals the Spotlight in ‘Evita’ After Rachel Zegler Leaves Mid-Show

West End audiences witnessed an understudy who was ready at a moment’s…
70s TV icon rocks political hat with wife who famously rejected Elvis

1970s TV Legend Sports Political Cap with Wife Known for Declining Elvis

Fans were thrilled to catch a rare glimpse of one of Hollywood’s…
Study shows surge of residents getting rich — quick

Research reveals rapid increase in residents achieving wealth swiftly

Households in Huntington, Long Island have experienced a significant increase in their…
Executive orders may be on faster track, with Supreme Court ruling

Venezuelan Youth Baseball Team’s US Tournament Visas Rejected

() A youth baseball team from Venezuela will be unable to participate…
Trump targets disaster mitigation funds, raising risks in future crises

Trump Redirects Disaster Mitigation Funds, Increasing Future Crisis Risks

The Trump administration appears to be drastically reducing the federal funds it…
Law enforcement's response to fatal shooting of state lawmakers raises questions

Law enforcement’s response to fatal shooting of state lawmakers raises questions

NEWYou can now listen to Fox News articles! Law enforcement’s response to…
Company involved in Coldplay KissCam drama hires Gwyneth Paltrow as spokesperson

Company in Coldplay KissCam Controversy Names Gwyneth Paltrow as Spokesperson

BOSTON (AP) — Astronomer — the company whose CEO resigned after being…
More than half of voters disapprove of Trump's handling of Epstein files: Poll

Majority of voters disapprove of Trump’s management of Epstein documents, according to poll

(The Hill) More than half of all registered voters say they disapprove…