Girlfriend of Escaped Inmate Arrested for Role in Louisiana Jailbreak Scheme

Louisiana Attorney General Liz Murrill revealed the arrest of a former employee of the Orleans Parish Sheriff’s Office (OPSO), who is suspected to be the girlfriend of Derrick Groves, a fugitive still at large.

Murrill issued a press statement disclosing that 28-year-old Darriana Burton, formerly employed by OPSO, was apprehended on Monday. She allegedly assisted Derrick Groves in his escape from the facility. Authorities suspect Burton is romantically involved with Groves.

An arrest warrant for Burton was issued on May 27 on a charge of conspiracy to commit simple escape.

Burton was taken into custody by the United States Marshals Service in New Orleans on Monday. According to an arrest affidavit, she is accused of facilitating communication between Groves and people outside the jail and sharing information related to his escape.

Jasmine Groves, aunt of Orleans Parish jail escapee Derrick Groves, is calling on her nephew to turn himself in. (New Orleans PD)

“We will continue to pursue anyone and everyone who has aided and abetted these criminals. We will find you, arrest you, and prosecute you to the full extent of the law. I’d like to thank the US Marshals Service for executing our warrant for this woman. We will arrest all aiders and abettors, and we will eventually get Antoine Massey and Derrick Groves back to prison where they belong,” Murrill said.

This combo from photos provided by Orleans Parish Sheriff’s Office shows from left top: Dkenan Dennis,  Gary C Price, Robert Moody, Kendell Myles, Corey E Boyd. Bottom from left: Lenton Vanburen Jr, Jermaine Donald,  Antonine T Massey, Derrick D. Groves, and Leo Tate Sr. (Orleans Parish Sheriff’s Office via AP) (AP)

Groves and Antoine Massey remain at large.