The Orleans Parish Sheriff’s Office has fired two deputies and suspended five others in connection with the accidental release of an inmate from the jail.
Kahlil Bryan was accidentally released from the Orleans Parish Jail last week.
Sheriff Susan Hutson called Bryan’s release human error, and has since outlined changes to help prevent this from happening again.
Hutson has fired two deputies for “a severe breach of duty and process,” and also suspended five other deputies for “failures and negligence” in the identification process of the inmate.
Hutson has also instated a mandatory supervisor review that requires a sergeant verifying releases.
She also said that inmate release protocols have been revised and she is implementing mandatory training and is conducting an audit to gauge her staff’s competencies and leadership ranks.
Hutson’s office also issued the following timeline regarding the release of Bryan:
- 1:17 a.m. – Khalil Bryan mistakenly released from 1B housing unit.
- ~5:00 a.m. – Count takes place.
- ~7:00 a.m. – Roll Call takes place.
- 11:10 a.m. – OPSO records, in conjunction with partners, realized the error.
- 11:36 a.m. – OPSO begins investigation to locate Mr. Khalil Bryan.
- ~12:45 p.m. – We began informing criminal justice stakeholders and those impacted including Criminal District Court, Jefferson Parish Sheriff’s Office, Attorney General’s Office, New Orleans Police Department, Louisiana State Police and victim.
- 3:45pm – Public notified.
- 6:00 p.m. – New bond received for Kavin Bryan.
- NOTE: Kavin could not be released until this happened.
- 10:40 p.m. – Kavin Bryan interviewed by SID at Bryan’s request.
- NOTE: Kavin requested to be interviewed by SID.
- 10:54 p.m. – Kavin Bryan properly released from OPSO custody.
According to Hutson, Bryan shared a last name with the inmate who was supposed to be released but has the same last name.
Hutson’s statement said that the protocol for inmate releases includes checking an inmate’s wristband and comparing the inmate tot he picture on their wristband.
Hutson said a deputy must also provide the inmate’s name, date of birth, reason for release, and folder number of the inmate to be released.
“This incident reflects a failure in execution, and we are taking full accountability,” said Hutson in an issued statement. “The people of New Orleans deserve a jail that operates with precision and professionalism. I want the public to know that this office takes its obligations seriously and that we are responding with the urgency and transparency this matter demands.”
Hutson also addressed why the public was not alerted to Bryan’s escape until 3:45 p.m.
She said that since Bryan’s release was due to human error and not an escape, and that he was in custody primarily for non-violent charges, that he was not considered an immediate threat to the public.
Hutson also said that she felt alerting the public might startle Bryan and jeopardize the search.
“This was an avoidable breach of protocol, and we have taken decisive action. The changes we’re making now will strengthen our systems and reinforce the standards our staff is expected to meet every single day. Accountability is how we move forward,” Chief of Corrections Jay Mallett said in an issued statement.
Bryan is still wanted by OPSO. Anyone with information on his whereabouts is asked to call 911, OPSO at 504-881-7520 or Crime Stoppers 504-822-1111.
READ MORE:Sheriff Susan Hutson fires two deputies, suspends five others for inmate release mix-up
