Reports from New Orleans indicate that a third woman has been apprehended for allegedly aiding a fugitive from the Orleans Justice Center, who remains at large, according to Louisiana State Police.
Connie Weeden, a 59-year-old resident of Slidell, Louisiana, is the latest individual taken into custody on accusations of assisting the jailbreak. In addition to jail employees, she is the third person arrested for aiding the escapees. Weeden faces a felony charge of accessory after the fact for allegedly assisting Jermaine Donald, one of the five escapees still evading capture.
LSP officials stated, “Weeden was in contact via phone both before and after the escape. Investigators determined that after the escape, she provided Donald with cash through a cell phone app.”
Donald, along with four other inmates, executed an escape from the Orleans Justice Center on May 16. Half of the original fugitives have since been apprehended. The persistence of these fugitives raises important questions about the security at the Orleans Justice Center.
Law enforcement officials have issued stern warnings about the serious consequences of aiding fugitives. “Those who choose to assist or conceal these individuals are violating the law and will be held accountable,” state police declared. “Harboring fugitives threatens the safety of our communities and will not be tolerated.”
Under Louisiana law, a conviction for being an accessory after the fact carries a penalty of up to five years in prison, a fine of up to $500, or both. This development follows earlier reports that two other individuals, Cortnie Harris and Corvanntay Baptiste, were arrested and charged with similar counts of being accessories after the fact.
Earlier on Thursday, the Orleans Parish District Attorney issued subpoenas to the Orleans Parish Sheriff, Susan Hutson, and other OPSO staff members as part of a continuous investigation into the escape. This raises important questions about the role of the jail employees in the escape and how the escape was possible.
While authorities continue their search for the remaining fugitive, the public is reminded of the importance of staying informed, reporting any suspicious activities, and cooperating with law enforcement agencies.
