Suspect arrested for assisting Louisiana jail escapee, who is still at large.

Another suspect has been arrested in connection with a substantial jailbreak that occurred at the Orleans Justice Center in New Orleans, where ten inmates executed a daring escape earlier this week. The breakout, which unfolded on May 16, involved the inmates slipping through a hole that was carved behind a prison toilet.

Connie Weeden has been identified as an alleged accomplice, specifically linked to Jermaine Donald, one of the five escapees who remained at large as of Friday morning. Weeden has been charged with one felony count of accessory after the fact and has been booked into the St. Tammany Parish Correctional Center, as reported by Louisiana State Police.

The group’s absence was revealed during a routine headcount at approximately 8:30 a.m. on May 16, even though the escape took place hours earlier around 4 a.m. At that time, the inmates managed to force a sliding cell door off its track while the solitary guard assigned to oversee their pod was away, reportedly obtaining food, according to Orleans Parish Sheriff Susan Hutson.

Following the forced exit from their cells, the inmates reportedly overcrowded the area of the jail before detaching the toilet from the wall and utilizing the resulting gap to facilitate their escape.

Investigations into the incident uncovered evidence suggesting that Weeden was in contact with Donald before and after the break. Authorities have stated that she transferred money to him via a cellular phone application. Weeden’s arrest marks the third civilian apprehended in connection with this case. Earlier this week, two other suspects, identified as Cortnie Harris and 38-year-old Corvanntay Baptiste, were also apprehended and charged with being accessories after the fact.

Both Harris and Baptiste are accused of providing support and transportation to other individuals involved in the escape and are currently detained at the Plaquemines Parish Detention Center.

Law enforcement agencies, including local, state, and federal departments, have pledged to pursue all leads until the remaining fugitives are captured. Authorities assert that anyone aiding or concealing these individuals will face legal consequences, as harboring fugitives poses a significant threat to community safety. The inmates who remain at large include Jermaine Donald, Antoine Massey, Lenton Vanburen Jr., Derrick Groves, and Leo O. Tate Sr. Donald faces severe charges, including second-degree murder, aggravated battery, and possession of a firearm by a felon, among other offenses.

As this situation continues to develop, the public is being urged to report any pertinent information that may assist in ensuring the swift apprehension of the escapees.