Three Louisiana Inmates Charged in Connection with September 16 Escape Through a Drainage Outlet
Three Louisiana Inmates Charged in Connection with September 16 Escape Through a Drainage Outlet
On September 23, 2022, Lafourche Parish Sheriff Craig Webre announced further charges against three inmates implicated in a recent escape from the Lafourche Parish Correctional Complex. Leroy Miles Jr., 23, was apprehended on Saturday after escaping. Investigators have also charged convicts Bricelon Martin, 26, and Jordan Beltz, 21, with helping Miles in his escape.
On September 16, 2022, investigators discovered Miles had squeezed through a small drainage outlet after kicking out a metal cover. Miles then scaled the facility’s two surrounding gates to evade capture. Miles’ position was tracked to a hotel in Houma by investigators.
On Saturday, September 17, LPSO deputies worked with the Terrebonne Parish Sheriff’s Office and the Houma Police Department to coordinate. Miles was apprehended after being found in a hotel room. Deputies discovered a rifle and marijuana in his room, as well as the fact that he had disabled the hotel room smoke detector. He was booked into the Terrebonne Parish Criminal Justice Complex on new counts including possession of a firearm by a convicted felon, marijuana possession, and interference with fire prevention (R.S. 14:206).
Investigators from the LPSO acquired a warrant for Miles on the charge of simple escape, with an additional bond of $1 million. Miles was transported from Terrebonne Parish to the Lafayette Parish Correctional Center on Tuesday, where he is being held on second-degree murder and aggravated second-degree violence charges. In Terrebonne Parish, he is charged with attempted second-degree murder, and in Lafourche Parish, he is charged with aggravated flight from an officer and obstruction of justice.
Martin and Beltz have now been charged with helping in the escape. Martin was originally charged with domestic violence battery and felony theft, and his bail has now been set at $35,000. Martin is currently serving a 90-day prison sentence for another theft offense. Beltz was previously arrested for methamphetamine possession, and his bail has now been set at $25,000 USD.
Sheriff Webre stated that authorities will look into the event in order to increase security at the Correctional Complex. “This escape exposed a design flaw in our facility which we have already taken steps to secure,” said Sheriff Webre. “I sincerely thank our local, state and federal law enforcement partners who assisted as our investigators tenaciously to locate and apprehend this individual.”
The investigation into Miles’ escape is ongoing, and additional arrests are still possible as investigators are seeking charges against persons outside the Correctional Complex.
An arrest is an indication that probable cause exists to believe the subject was involved in the offense alleged. A person is innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.
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