Former OPSO maintenance worker pleads not guilty in OJC escape, attorney speaks

NEW ORLEANS (WGNO) — Former Orleans Parish jail maintenance worker Sterling Williams made his first court appearance, pleading not guilty to 10 counts of principal to simple escape and one count of malfeasance in office.

“We can start working on this case and proving that Mr. Williams is not guilty. More than just me saying it, ” said Williams’ attorney Michael Kennedy.

Kennedy says his client never shied away from the fact that he did turn off the water, but only due to it being part of his job.

With a discovery hearing set for Aug. 19, Kennedy says it will prove that the toilet was allegedly stuffed with jail clothing on purpose.

“They, being the escapees, probably didn’t even intentionally use Mr. Williams. They were trying to use whomever happened to be on duty to get that water turned off. And unfortunately, that happened to be Sterling,” said Kennedy.

Legal analyst Cliff Cardone is shocked Kennedy is speaking out so early in the proceedings.

“We don’t know what all the evidence is. He’s really raising a defense that should be presented at trial and not necessarily at this phase. He may be attempting to sway public opinion one way or another to benefit his client,” said Cardone.

However, Cardone believes that if the defense can prove Williams was unaware of the inmates’ plan to escape, he has a case.

“Given the limited information that we have, it sounds like this gentleman has a very solid defense. But if someone from the jail says that I gave the order to turn off the water because the inmates were flooding the toilets,” said Cardone.

Along with the upcoming discovery hearing, Kennedy plans to ask for a reduced bond, calling the current $1.1 million bond ridiculous.

“Putting someone who has worked a menial pay job for five years under a $1.1 million bond that serves nothing but to create a debtor’s prison. And that is not what America is supposed to be about.”

Williams’ discovery and bond reduction hearing is set for Aug. 19.

Emmitt Weber, Courtnie Harris and Casey Smith were also all arraigned on accessory to simple escape. They all pleaded not guilty. Their next court date is set for Aug. 18.

In a statement, Louisiana Attorney General Liz Murril says:

“I have promised that we will hold everyone who had any role in the jail break at the Orleans Justice Center accountable – that includes those who helped the inmates from the inside and the outside. All aiders and abettors will be arrested and prosecuted to the full extent of the law. That includes anyone who is currently helping Derrick Groves.”

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