OC Jail Teacher Arrested In Jailbreak Investigation

SANTA ANA (CBSLA.com) — Authorities say they have made numerous arrests in connection with a recent jailbreak at a maximum-security jail, one of which they described as critical.

Lt. Jeff Hallock of the Orange County Sheriff's Department identified the critical arrest as that of Nooshafarian Ravaghi, 44, of Lake Forest.

Hallock said Ravaghi has worked at the Orange County Central Men's Jail offering language courses since approximately July of 2015.

"Ravaghi is currently employed by the Rancho Santiago Community College District and is contracted as an ESL or an English as a second language teacher," said Hallock.

Hallock said officials have confirmed that Hossein Nayeri, 37, one of the escapees, did in fact attend several of Ravaghi's ESL classes.

He cautioned, however, that officials continue to investigate the extent of their relationship.

Nayeri along with 20-year-old Jonathan Tieu and 43-year-old Bac Duong have been missing for seven days despite a reward that has climbed to $200,000.

"It is believed that Ravaghi directly contributed to the escape of the three inmates and provided critical planning tools that aided in their preparation for the escape," the lieutenant said.

Hallock also indicated that authorities now believe that the three escapees may be driving a 2008, white GMC Savana utility van with paper plates.

"We've confirmed that the vehicle was reported stolen out of the south area of the city of Los Angeles," said Hallock.

Hallock urged the public to be on the lookout for the vehicle and report its whereabouts by calling 911.

"Investigators feel strongly that the three escaped inmates may be living out of this vehicle," he said. "The three suspects should be considered armed and dangerous."

In addition to the arrest of Ravaghi, which was made Thursday afternoon, Hallock said they've made up to 10 arrests directly connected to the investigation numerous other arrests related to probation and parole violations.

Neighbors in a condo complex where Ravaghi once lived late Thursday described her as friendly and kind, and were surprised to hear authorities believe she played a role in a jailbreak plot.

Authorities were reported to have conducted a raid late Thursday on a law office in Westminster related to the investigation and search for the escaped inmates, but they were reportedly not there.