A violent offender was mistakenly released from the Orleans Parish Jail due to a clerical error, according to the Orleans Parish Sheriff’s Office.
Khalil Bryan, the inmate, was released on Friday even though he faces multiple charges. The office stated that an internal investigation has commenced, as reported 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 assumes full responsibility for the clerical error that resulted in Khalil Bryan’s erroneous release, and we sincerely apologize to the public, our law enforcement partners, and the court. The incident stemmed from human error: a misidentification linked to a shared last name between two individuals. We are conducting a comprehensive internal investigation, and I can confirm that disciplinary measures will be taken,” Hutson said.
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 notified that inmate Khalil Bryan was improperly released from custody by the Orleans Parish Sheriff’s Office earlier today due to a critical 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.”
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.
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.
