A maintenance worker has been arrested in connection with a daring jailbreak that saw 10 inmates escape from a New Orleans jail last Friday. The man, identified as 33-year-old Sterling Williams, was taken into custody on Monday night, Louisiana Attorney General Liz Murrill confirmed.

According to court records, Williams is accused of turning off the water supply to a cell, enabling inmates to dismantle a toilet and access a hole in the wall through which they escaped. He claims he was coerced into cooperating after one of the inmates, identified as Antoine Massey—who remains at large—allegedly threatened to attack him with a homemade knife, or "shank," if he did not comply.

So far, five of the escaped inmates have been recaptured. Authorities say several of the fugitives were being held on serious charges, including murder and other violent crimes.

“Instead of reporting the threat, Williams complied and shut off the water, allowing the inmates to carry out their escape plan,” Murrill stated. She added that the investigation is ongoing and that all individuals involved will be held accountable.

Williams now faces 10 counts of being a principal to simple escape and an additional charge of malfeasance in office.

Sheriff Susan Hutson explained that the inmates managed to dislodge a sliding door in their cell before removing the toilet, exposing a maintenance hole. They then squeezed through the opening, climbed down a wall, and ran across a nearby highway to make their escape.

Authorities later discovered taunting messages left behind by the inmates. One read "To [sic] Easy LoL" with an arrow pointing toward the escape hole, while another featured a smiley face with its tongue sticking out. A third, partially erased message appeared to mock law enforcement, challenging them to recapture the escapees.

The jail is located roughly 3 kilometers (2 miles) from New Orleans' historic French Quarter.

Attorney General Murrill urged anyone with information, including those who may have assisted the escapees, to come forward, emphasizing that cooperation now could influence the outcome of their cases.

"We will uncover the full truth," she said. "And anyone who helped will face justice."