Two deputies have been fired and five others suspended after an inmate was mistakenly released from a New Orleans jail due to human error, authorities said on Thursday. Khalil Bryan, 30, was freed from the Orleans Justice Center on July 25 after being confused with another inmate with the same surname during the overnight release process.
The Orleans Parish Sheriff's Office said Bryan's identity was not properly verified, blaming the error on "inadequate protocol adherence." The two unnamed deputies were dismissed for a "severe breach of duty and process." The five suspended staff faced "procedural failures and negligence" during the verification process. The office announced additional training and a review of all releases by a supervisor.
Sheriff Susan Hutson said in a statement: "This incident reflects a failure in execution, and we are taking full accountability. The people of New Orleans deserve a jail that operates with precision and professionalism." The incident follows a May escape of 10 inmates from the same facility, with one violent offender still at large.
Bryan, who remains at large, was being held on charges including possession of stolen property, drug paraphernalia, and resisting arrest. He also has an active warrant for aggravated assault with a firearm, domestic abuse, child endangerment, and home invasion. Police Chief Anne Kirkpatrick described him as having a "violent criminal history."
The error was discovered approximately 10 hours after his release at 11:10 am on July 25. The public was informed at 3:45 pm the same day, with officials stating they delayed the alert to avoid tipping off Bryan. District Attorney Jason Williams said his office has not ruled out pressing charges against the deputies, calling the incident "a deeply troubling oversight."
