Louisiana authorities have ramped up the search for seven inmates who broke out of a New Orleans jail last week and have not yet been captured.

The escape, which occurred on Friday, involved ten prisoners exploiting a faulty cell door, then fleeing through a hole behind a toilet. Rewards now total $20,000 per inmate.

The fugitives range in age from nineteen to forty-two and face charges including murder, aggravated assault, and domestic abuse battery. Their disappearance triggered a massive manhunt involving local, state, and federal agencies. Only three have been captured as of Monday evening.

Orleans Parish Sheriff Susan Hutson pointed to infrastructure problems at the aging facility, specifically mentioning defective locks and her previous requests for repair funding.

But investigators believe the escapees likely received outside assistance, as noted by Orleans Parish Chief of Corrections Jeworski Mallett during a press conference. The FBI has issued stern warnings that anyone aiding these fugitives will face arrest themselves.

The search continues for the remaining escapees, with public vigilance strongly encouraged by officials. Law enforcement sources indicate the case remains high-priority across multiple jurisdictions.

Louisiana Republican Attorney General Liz Murrill said that the main focus remains “recovering the prisoners, protecting the public, securing and stabilizing the facility staff and building.” Her office appears to be coordinating with federal authorities on certain aspects of the investigation, though specifics remain unclear.