Latest news with #JasonPack
Yahoo
24-05-2025
- Yahoo
Retired FBI agent warns New Orleans prison escape 'should get everyone's attention'
A retired FBI special agent is sounding the alarm after 10 inmates escaped from a New Orleans jail, with five remaining at large, saying this incident "should get everyone's attention." "This wasn't a complicated escape. Ten inmates got out through a hole behind a toilet. It took more than seven hours before anyone noticed they were gone," Jason Pack, a retired FBI special agent, said to Fox News Digital. "That tells you a lot about what's going on inside that jail. Too few people on staff. Not enough oversight. And likely not enough working equipment or security checks." On Tuesday, an Orleans Parish Jail maintenance worker was arrested and charged in connection with the escape. Louisiana Attorney General Liz Murrill shared in a statement that Sterling Williams, 33, had been arrested and charged with 10 counts of principal to simple escape and malfeasance in office. Louisiana Jail Worker Arrested For Allegedly Helping 10 Inmates Escape Orleans Parish Facility "Williams admitted to agents that one of the escapees advised him to turn the water off in the cell where the inmates escaped from," Murrill said in the statement. "Instead of reporting the inmate, Williams turned the water off as directed, allowing the inmates to carry out their scheme to successfully escape." Read On The Fox News App Pack said the inmates' choice to target a maintenance worker for help was a smart and calculated move. "If you think about it, maintenance people are not really looked after there. They're kind of low-key, and they have keys to doors. They have access to utilities and panels, so it was pretty smart to target him on the part of the criminals," Pack said. He added that the prison escape was also not a "crime of opportunity" and had most likely been planned for some time. "Inmates are resourceful when it comes to things on the inside. It's not out of the realm of possibility that they hatched this plan over a few days or a few weeks," Pack said. Additionally, Williams' arrest may not be the only one coming, Pack theorized, stating that this could be just the first initial wave of arrests as other employees had been suspended. "It seems like these inmates are going to exploit any crack in the system they can. And sometimes the cracks will lead to pressure whether waiting or not for folks who are in vulnerable positions. And that seemed to be what happened here, enough so that he (Williams) was able to turn the water off, they were able to pull the toilet out and escape through the corridor there and out the back door," Pack said. "And I think when we say jailbreak from now on, all of us are going to remember that video of the 10 people just fleeing out the jail." Pack added that "the bigger issue is what allowed this to happen in the first place." "That jail had just 36 officers working with over 1,000 inmates. That's not enough people to keep a place like that running safely. When staff are stretched that thin, it's easy for things to slip through the cracks. Most jails around the country are dealing with similar problems – low staffing, budget cuts and buildings that are falling apart," Pack said. The jail is only at 60% staffing, and at the time of the escape, four supervisors and 36 staff members were monitoring 1,400 inmates, authorities said. Louisiana State Police Captures 4Th Escaped Inmate In Nola Prison Break, 6 Still At Large Five of the 10 inmates remain on the run, with the fifth recaptured Tuesday in New Orleans. Corey Boyd, 19, who was briefly spotted last Friday hours after the jailbreak, was taken into custody Tuesday, the Louisiana State Police said. Boyd was originally jailed for second-degree murder, attempted second-degree murder, aggravated battery and threatening a public official. However, the escapee who is considered most dangerous is Derrick Groves, 27, who remains at large. He was convicted of killing two men during Mardi Gras in New Orleans' Ninth Ward in 2018 and was in jail awaiting sentencing. Louisiana Governor Blasts 'Progressive Promises' After New Orleans Jail Escape Pack said what makes this case more unique than other prison breaks is the number of convicts that escaped at once. "It's very unusual to have a 10-person manhunt in a prison escape like this. These don't happen regularly. And when they do, it just shows you the danger that folks can risk close to the community and why corrections officers are an important part of the law enforcement team," Pack said. "There is a nationwide shortage of correction officers around. They're low-paid and under-appreciated and it's a very difficult job dealing with inmates." Pack said the number one goal for law enforcement right now is getting the inmates "back into custody quickly and safely." "Some of them are facing serious charges, and when people are on the run, especially if they're scared, things can get dangerous fast. They might steal a car, break into a house, or hurt someone if they feel cornered. The longer this drags out, the more chance someone gets hurt," Pack said. The five fugitives still on the run are Groves, Jermaine Donald, 42, Antoine Massey, 33, Leo Tate, 31, and Lenton Vanburen, 27. Pack added that while it is unlikely any of the convicts fled the country, they would run into obstacles anywhere trying to run, as there are agencies nationwide and around the world assisting in locating them. "You can't outrun the feds, and you can't outrun the FBI or the Marshals Service, because they have offices around the country and indeed, around the world," Pack said. "So even if they do happen to make it to another country – I'm not suggesting that that's what's happened yet – but if they had to do that, the FBI and the Marshals and federal law enforcement have liaisons in other countries that are able to step in and help them even though they don't have jurisdiction there. "So you can run, you can hide, but you can't hide forever. And just because this case may lose traction in the media, it's not going to lose traction with law enforcement." Pack added that having no incidents reported since the inmates escaped has been a "miracle in itself." "The fugitives get desperate out there and so when they feel the pressure, and they're feeling the heat, sometimes they act in desperation. So hopefully they'll continue not to. It's possible and likely that they have people on the outside that are helping them hide out in these matters," Pack said. "Police don't want this to end with anyone getting injured, including the escapees. The goal is to find them, surround them, and bring them in without any drama," Pack continued. "That's what officers train for. It's not about chasing headlines. It's about doing the job carefully and professionally, even when the public is watching." Fox News Digital's Peter D'Abrosca, Michael Dorgan and Alex Koch contributed to this report. Original article source: Retired FBI agent warns New Orleans prison escape 'should get everyone's attention'
Fox News
24-05-2025
- Fox News
Retired FBI agent warns New Orleans prison escape 'should get everyone's attention'
A retired FBI special agent is sounding the alarm after 10 inmates escaped from a New Orleans jail, with five remaining at large, saying this incident "should get everyone's attention." "This wasn't a complicated escape. Ten inmates got out through a hole behind a toilet. It took more than seven hours before anyone noticed they were gone," Jason Pack, a retired FBI special agent, said to Fox News Digital. "That tells you a lot about what's going on inside that jail. Too few people on staff. Not enough oversight. And likely not enough working equipment or security checks." On Tuesday, an Orleans Parish Jail maintenance worker was arrested and charged in connection with the escape. Louisiana Attorney General Liz Murrill shared in a statement that Sterling Williams, 33, had been arrested and charged with 10 counts of principal to simple escape and malfeasance in office. "Williams admitted to agents that one of the escapees advised him to turn the water off in the cell where the inmates escaped from," Murrill said in the statement. "Instead of reporting the inmate, Williams turned the water off as directed, allowing the inmates to carry out their scheme to successfully escape." Pack said the inmates' choice to target a maintenance worker for help was a smart and calculated move. "If you think about it, maintenance people are not really looked after there. They're kind of low-key, and they have keys to doors. They have access to utilities and panels, so it was pretty smart to target him on the part of the criminals," Pack said. He added that the prison escape was also not a "crime of opportunity" and had most likely been planned for some time. "Inmates are resourceful when it comes to things on the inside. It's not out of the realm of possibility that they hatched this plan over a few days or a few weeks," Pack said. Additionally, Williams' arrest may not be the only one coming, Pack theorized, stating that this could be just the first initial wave of arrests as other employees had been suspended. "It seems like these inmates are going to exploit any crack in the system they can. And sometimes the cracks will lead to pressure whether waiting or not for folks who are in vulnerable positions. And that seemed to be what happened here, enough so that he (Williams) was able to turn the water off, they were able to pull the toilet out and escape through the corridor there and out the back door," Pack said. "And I think when we say jailbreak from now on, all of us are going to remember that video of the 10 people just fleeing out the jail." Pack added that "the bigger issue is what allowed this to happen in the first place." "That jail had just 36 officers working with over 1,000 inmates. That's not enough people to keep a place like that running safely. When staff are stretched that thin, it's easy for things to slip through the cracks. Most jails around the country are dealing with similar problems – low staffing, budget cuts and buildings that are falling apart," Pack said. The jail is only at 60% staffing, and at the time of the escape, four supervisors and 36 staff members were monitoring 1,400 inmates, authorities said. "This escape isn't just a New Orleans problem. It's a warning sign for everyone. If your jail hasn't reviewed its security procedures, staffing levels or blind spots lately, now's the time. Nobody wants to be the next story on the news." Five of the 10 inmates remain on the run, with the fifth recaptured Tuesday in New Orleans. Corey Boyd, 19, who was briefly spotted last Friday hours after the jailbreak, was taken into custody Tuesday, the Louisiana State Police said. Boyd was originally jailed for second-degree murder, attempted second-degree murder, aggravated battery and threatening a public official. However, the escapee who is considered most dangerous is Derrick Groves, 27, who remains at large. He was convicted of killing two men during Mardi Gras in New Orleans' Ninth Ward in 2018 and was in jail awaiting sentencing. Pack said what makes this case more unique than other prison breaks is the number of convicts that escaped at once. "It's very unusual to have a 10-person manhunt in a prison escape like this. These don't happen regularly. And when they do, it just shows you the danger that folks can risk close to the community and why corrections officers are an important part of the law enforcement team," Pack said. "There is a nationwide shortage of correction officers around. They're low-paid and under-appreciated and it's a very difficult job dealing with inmates." Pack said the number one goal for law enforcement right now is getting the inmates "back into custody quickly and safely." "Some of them are facing serious charges, and when people are on the run, especially if they're scared, things can get dangerous fast. They might steal a car, break into a house, or hurt someone if they feel cornered. The longer this drags out, the more chance someone gets hurt," Pack said. The five fugitives still on the run are Groves, Jermaine Donald, 42, Antoine Massey, 33, Leo Tate, 31, and Lenton Vanburen, 27. Pack added that while it is unlikely any of the convicts fled the country, they would run into obstacles anywhere trying to run, as there are agencies nationwide and around the world assisting in locating them. "You can't outrun the feds, and you can't outrun the FBI or the Marshals Service, because they have offices around the country and indeed, around the world," Pack said. "So even if they do happen to make it to another country – I'm not suggesting that that's what's happened yet – but if they had to do that, the FBI and the Marshals and federal law enforcement have liaisons in other countries that are able to step in and help them even though they don't have jurisdiction there. "So you can run, you can hide, but you can't hide forever. And just because this case may lose traction in the media, it's not going to lose traction with law enforcement." Pack added that having no incidents reported since the inmates escaped has been a "miracle in itself." "The fugitives get desperate out there and so when they feel the pressure, and they're feeling the heat, sometimes they act in desperation. So hopefully they'll continue not to. It's possible and likely that they have people on the outside that are helping them hide out in these matters," Pack said. "Police don't want this to end with anyone getting injured, including the escapees. The goal is to find them, surround them, and bring them in without any drama," Pack continued. "That's what officers train for. It's not about chasing headlines. It's about doing the job carefully and professionally, even when the public is watching." Stepheny Price is a writer for Fox News Digital and Fox Business. She covers topics including missing persons, homicides, national crime cases, illegal immigration, and more. Story tips and ideas can be sent to
The Guardian
10-05-2025
- Climate
- The Guardian
4.1-magnitude earthquake rattles Tennessee and southern US
A 4.1-magnitude earthquake in Tennessee woke up families and rattled homes as far away as Atlanta as it spread tremors across portions of the southern US on Saturday morning. No injuries or major damage were immediately reported. The website for the United States Geological Survey (USGS) said the earthquake originated shortly after 9am EDT about 12 miles (20km) from Greenback, Tennessee, which is about 30 miles (48km) south of Knoxville. More than 23,000 reports from the public were received by USGS in the first hour after the earthquake, USGS spokesperson Ayesha Davis told the Associated Press in an email. Meteorologists at television news stations serving Georgia and North Carolina reported feeling the tremors as well. There is a 5% chance of a magnitude 4 or larger aftershock in the next week, according to USGS. Gabriela Reilly was making waffles with her husband when they felt their entire home shake in Braselton, Georgia, which is north-east of Atlanta. 'Our ceiling fan started shaking for about 10 seconds,' she said. 'I thought a giant aircraft had flown low right over the neighborhood, but my husband said: 'No, that was definitely an earthquake.'' Jason Pack was still in bed at his home outside Knoxville when he felt the walls shaking and heard a rumbling that was loud enough to wake up his family and for the dog to start barking. 'In east Tennessee, you're used to tornadoes and floods, that kind of thing,' Pack said. 'It's unusual to have an earthquake.' Pack has experienced tremors before, although this one is probably the strongest he's felt in Tennessee. 'Even though this one was small, it's a good reminder – if it had been a big quake, would you know what to do? Drop, cover and hold on if you're inside,' said Pack, a retired FBI agent who now works in crisis communications. 'Stay clear of buildings if you're outside.' Damage does not usually occur from earthquakes until they reach a magnitude of somewhere above 4 or 5, according to USGS, although it depends on variables such as building construction, soil and distance from the epicenter. The south-eastern US carries a significant earthquake risk, particularly around the New Madrid seismic zone to the west and in the Eastern Tennessee seismic zone, which is where Saturday's earthquake occurred, said Davis. Sign up to Headlines US Get the most important US headlines and highlights emailed direct to you every morning after newsletter promotion Since 1950, 15 other earthquakes of magnitude 4 or larger have occurred within 155 miles (250km) of Saturday's earthquake, Davis said. The largest of those was a magnitude 4.7 earthquake near Knoxville in November 1973. More recently, two tremors struck the seismic zone in December 2018. One was a 4.4-magnitude earthquake centered in Decatur, Tennessee, which is south of Knoxville. It shook homes as far away as Atlanta. Another earthquake struck a few days later with a magnitude of 3.0. Its epicenter was about 2 miles (4km) south-east of Mascot, near Knoxville. It was also felt in parts of Georgia, Kentucky and North Carolina. Seismic waves from earthquakes spread more efficiently in the eastern US compared with the west because of the region's geology, Davis said. 'Earthquakes in the east are felt over a much larger distance and by more people,' she said.
Yahoo
30-04-2025
- Yahoo
REAL ID: When you need one and when you don't
KNOXVILLE, Tenn. (WATE) — The deadline to get a REAL ID is approaching but unless you're boarding a flight soon, there's no need to rush. Millions of Tennesseans still don't have a REAL ID, which is marked with a gold star in the corner of your driver's license. The REAL ID deadline is May 7, but what happens if you don't have one by then? 'Unless they're flying domestically, then nothing is going to happen because your state ID, your state driver's license that you have, even if it's not a REAL ID, it's still good to drive. It's still good to vote. It's still good to buy beverages,' said Jason Pack with the Tennessee Department of Safety and Homeland Security. REAL ID is part of the REAL ID Act, which was passed by Congress in 2005 after recommendations from the 9/11 Commission. It is meant to create minimum security standards for driver's licenses and ID cards. Starting May 7, you will need a REAL ID to routinely board a domestic flight or enter certain federal buildings. If you have a domestic flight coming up, but no REAL ID, a passport, permanent resident card or other select documents can serve as an alternative. Without one of these documents, you may experience some delays in your travel plans. 'They will be directed to additional screening, so we are encouraging people who are in that category to arrive to the airport at least three hours before their scheduled departure time,' said Becky Huckaby, Vice President of Public Relations for McGhee Tyson Airport. If you don't have your REAL ID yet, you may be out of luck getting an appointment at the DMV before the deadline. 6 News looked at available appointments at each location within an hour drive from downtown Knoxville. The Alcoa and Sevierville locations had the soonest available appointments, in early June. However, you can also get a REAL ID at some county clerk's offices. 'The Department of Safety partners with Tennessee county clerk's offices, those who chose to participate. In Knox County that's the case and in a lot of other counties around here that is the case too, so you just want to make sure they have that capability before you go out there,' Pack said. To get your REAL ID, you will need proof of U.S. Citizenship or legal presence, like a birth certificate, proof of your full social security number and two proofs of Tennessee residency, like a utility bill or paycheck. It's also important to note, if your name has changed from what is listed on any of the required documents, you must also bring certified legal documents supporting the name change. This could include marriage licenses and divorce decrees. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
CBS News
12-03-2025
- Business
- CBS News
Credit counseling vs. bankruptcy vs. debt relief: Which path is right for you?
If you're facing issues with unpaid debt, it can feel like you're walking around with a heavy weight on your shoulders — one that puts extra pressure on nearly every aspect of your life. Millions of people are dealing with that issue right now, though, thanks to today's high-rate environment. Not only are credit card rates sitting at a record high on average, but other borrowing rates are higher than they were just a few years ago, too. As a result, delinquency rates are growing and so is the total amount of credit card debt nationwide. The good news, however, is that there are solutions to consider if you're dealing with this type of issue. In fact, there are a few different options — credit counseling, bankruptcy and debt relief — that could make sense in this situation. Choosing the right one isn't always straightforward, though. Each path toward debt relief has its benefits and downsides, after all. "The decision on which solution to use depends on each individual's financial situation and preferences, too," says Jason Pack, chief revenue officer for Freedom Debt Relief. "There are multiple ways to consolidate your debt." So, how can you determine which option is the right option for you? It starts by understanding the key differences between these approaches. Speak to a debt relief expert about your options today. Credit counseling: Best for financial education and moderate debt relief Credit counseling is generally the most education-focused approach to debt management, combining financial guidance with practical solutions for debt repayment. This option is particularly useful for those with a steady income who are struggling with debt management but want to avoid major damage to their credit score. Working with a credit counseling agency typically begins with a review of your financial situation, including your income, expenses and debts. The goal is to develop a debt management plan, one that could include securing lower interest rates and consolidating multiple payments into a single monthly payment. Note, though, that credit counseling also requires commitment and patience, but it won't eliminate or reduce debt the same way that debt relief or bankruptcy can. These programs typically take three to five years to complete, and you'll need reliable income to make consistent payments. Find out how to get rid of your high-rate debt. Bankruptcy: Best for severe debt crises and legal protection Bankruptcy is the most powerful legal tool available for those struggling with insurmountable debt. It comes in two primary forms: Chapter 7, which can eliminate most unsecured debts within months, and Chapter 13, which creates a structured repayment plan that lasts from three to five years. This option is generally most appropriate for those facing aggressive collection actions, wage garnishment or debts that far exceed their ability to pay. The process begins with a thorough evaluation of your financial situation to determine which type of bankruptcy best suits your circumstances. Chapter 7 typically works best for those with limited income and primarily unsecured debts, while Chapter 13 suits individuals with regular income who need time to catch up on secured debts like mortgages. The tradeoffs are substantial, however. Bankruptcy remains on your credit report for up to 10 years, affecting your ability to obtain credit, rent housing or even secure certain jobs. Not all debts can be discharged through bankruptcy, either. Debt relief: Best for significant debt reduction without bankruptcy Debt relief offers a middle ground between credit counseling and bankruptcy. This approach generally involves working with a debt relief company to settle your debt for less than what's owed by negotiating with your creditors. It's typically most suitable for those with significant unsecured debt who want to avoid bankruptcy but need more relief than credit counseling can provide. To prepare for negotiations with creditors, consumers in a debt settlement program can choose to stop payments on accounts. Letting the debts go past due can demonstrate to creditors that they are experiencing a true financial hardship. As a result, creditors are usually more willing to negotiate balances due. During this period, the consumer makes monthly deposits into a dedicated savings account instead of making payments to creditors. When a sufficient balance has been built up, the debt settlement firm can start negotiating with the creditors. This usually involves offering reduced payments, either as a lump sum or a series of payments scheduled over an agreed-upon period, in exchange for resolving the debt. The process is generally very effective, says Pack. Negotiations can often lead to a reduction in debt owed of 30% to 50%, and sometimes more. At Freedom Debt Relief, the first settlement often takes place within a few months of beginning a debt settlement program, he says. "Clients see progress, results and a light at the end of the tunnel. The relief they experience is significant and serves as a great motivation for them to continue the program, which can take a few years to complete," Pack says. There are downsides, though. You could see your credit score decline as accounts become delinquent during the process, and there's no guarantee that creditors will settle, either. There are fees and potential tax repercussions to consider, too, but if you're facing an overwhelming amount of debt, this option may help you get out of debt while paying a lot less than you currently owe. "For as much help as it can provide some consumers, debt settlement also has its downsides. During the period in which accounts become delinquent, credit scores will go down. And there are never any absolute guarantees that every creditor will settle accounts. There are also fees and some potential tax consequences. Still, for someone dealing with a serious debt hardship, debt settlement can be a viable option to help them get out of debt and rebuild their financial lives," Pack says. Which path is right for you? The choice between credit counseling, bankruptcy and debt relief depends heavily on your financial situation. If you're unsure which one would work best, it may help to ask yourself the following questions: Can I still afford to make monthly payments? If yes, credit counseling might be the best route. Am I drowning in debt with no way to pay it off? Bankruptcy could provide the fresh start you need. Would I rather negotiate my debts down and take a short-term credit hit? If so, debt relief might be the right option. It's also a good idea to speak with a debt expert before making any final decisions. They can help you assess your situation and determine the best path forward. The bottom line Debt doesn't have to control your life. Whether you choose credit counseling, bankruptcy or debt relief, there is a solution that can help you regain financial stability. Each option comes with its pros and cons, so take the time to evaluate your situation carefully. Ultimately, though, the most important thing is to take action, as ignoring debt will only make it worse. By exploring your options and making an informed choice, you can start on a path toward a healthier financial life.
