Another accomplice has been arrested and accused of helping an escaped inmate.
U.S. Marshals have arrested Darriana Burton, 28, the girlfriend of Derrick Groves.
An arrest warrant was issued for Burton’s arrest on May 27, and she was arrested on June 9 in the 2600 block of St. Peters Street.
Groves is one of two escaped inmates who remain on the run. Burton is the first accomplice arrested and accused of helping Groves.
According to the arrest affidavit, investigators discovered that Burton exchanged messages and video calls with Groves through SmartCon, an internet-based messaging and video call system used by inmates via facility-issued iPads.
On May 14, two days before the escape, around 8:31 p.m., Groves FaceTime called Burton and an unknown man FaceTiming Burton on a separate device.
Groves, Burton and the unknown man did not discuss specific details due to the call being recorded, and Burton stated she would call the unknown man on a separate, unmonitored line to discuss the escape.
According to the affidavit, the follow-up call was intended to provide more details regarding the escape, including timing, transportation and the unknown man’s expected role in assisting once Groves was outside the facility.
Around 8:47 p.m., Groves, Burton and the man had another conversation. The unknown man advised against the escape, calling it a “bad move” and warning that it would trigger a “manhunt.”
The unknown man also told Groves to pursue release through the judicial system instead.
Based on this information, authorities concluded that Burton knowingly and willfully participated in a plan to facilitate the escape of Graves.
She is facing a charge of conspiracy to commit simple escape, a felony.
Burton is a former employee of the Orleans Parish Sheriff’s Office. She was arrested in 2023 for bringing contraband into the jail and malfeasance in office and was later fired.
Groves is one of two escaped inmates who remain on the run. Burton is the first accomplice arrested and accused of helping Groves.
READ MORE:First accused accomplice linked to escaped inmate Derrick Groves arrested
