Two individuals taken into custody for aiding fugitives involved in the mass prison break in New Orleans.
Two individuals, identified as Cortnie Harris and Corvanntay Baptiste, have been apprehended and charged with aiding the inmates who escaped from a New Orleans jail last Friday in a mass breakout. The arrests were announced by the Louisiana State Police on Wednesday, as the search for the remaining fugitives entered its sixth day.
Harris, aged 32, and Baptiste, 38, face felony charges of being accessories after the fact and were incarcerated at the Plaquemines Parish Detention Center, according to state police officials.
According to the investigation, Harris allegedly maintained phone contacts with one of the escapees still at large. Furthermore, she is reported to have transported two fugitive inmates to various locations within New Orleans.
Baptiste, on the other hand, was in contact with escapee Corey Boyd via phone and social media, allegedly facilitating him by providing food while he was hiding in a residence. Boyd was later apprehended by the authorities.
If convicted, Harris and Baptiste face a minimum fine of $500 and up to five years in prison. "Those who choose to assist or conceal these individuals are violating the law and will be held accountable," the state police stated. "Harboring fugitives threatens the safety of our communities and will not be tolerated."
As of Wednesday, five of the 10 inmates who escaped the jail early last Friday remained at large, including one convicted murderer and two charged with second-degree murder. The Orleans Parish Sheriff, Susan Hutson, announced the suspension of her reelection campaign in response to mounting pressure resulting from the jailbreak.
Hutson acknowledged her responsibility for the incident, stating that it occurred under her leadership and, as sheriff, it is her duty to address it promptly and transparently. She has launched comprehensive internal and external investigations, suspended staff, and provided full access to all relevant records, surveillance, and documentation to the Louisiana Attorney General's independent investigation.
The inmates made their escape at 1:01 a.m. on Friday by exiting through a wall behind a toilet. They then managed to navigate off the property, scale the perimeter wall using blankets to guard against barbed wire, and reach the railroad tracks and interstate.
Jail officials discovered the missing inmates during a routine headcount at 8:30 a.m. on Friday, but took almost eight hours to notify the US Marshals, Louisiana State Police, Probation and Parole, New Orleans police, and the Orleans Parish District Attorney. However, a member of the news media alerted the district attorney about the breakout at approximately 10 a.m. on Friday. This delay has been a subject of criticism, with Jason Williams, the Orleans Parish District Attorney, stating that immediate public notification is crucial in such incidents for both law enforcement and citizens to participate effectively in the manhunt.
- The ongoing manhunt for the remaining fugitives, including a convicted murderer, is heavily relying on video evidence from general-news media outlets, as it's been reported that one of the news outlets alerted the authorities about the Friday jailbreak before official notification.
- In addition to the escapees, Cortnie Harris and Corvanntay Baptiste, who have been charged with aiding the fugitives, are also under scrutiny for their role in politics, as they may have hindered the pursuit of justice by providing food and other assistance to the escapees.
- With crime rates continuing to rise, it is essential that citizens stay informed about crime-and-justice updates in their communities, including the six-day search for the fugitives who broke out of the New Orleans jail, and follow tips from law enforcement to ensure their safety.
