Additional Coverage:
- Authorities arrest a seventh person accused of helping fugitives who escaped from a New Orleans jail (cnn.com)
New Orleans Jailbreak Investigation Nets Seventh Arrest
New Orleans – A seventh person has been arrested in connection with the recent escape of ten inmates from a Louisiana jail. Emmitt Weber, 28, faces charges of accessory after the fact of simple escape.
This latest arrest follows a string of others, bringing the total number of alleged accomplices to seven, matching the number of escapees currently back in custody. Earlier Friday, Trevon Williams was rebooked on a principal to simple escape charge, while Casey Smith was also arrested for allegedly aiding two of the fugitives. Authorities say Smith confessed to her involvement, implicating Cortnie Harris, who was arrested Wednesday.
Earlier this week, authorities apprehended Corvanntay Baptiste, accused of communicating with escapee Corey Boyd and providing him with food. Connie Weeden was also arrested, accused of sending money to escapee Jermaine Donald via a mobile app and communicating with him before and after the escape.
Sterling Williams, a maintenance worker at the jail, was also arrested. He is suspected of facilitating the escape by turning off the water supply to the cell where the inmates tampered with plumbing to break free.
Williams’ attorney maintains his client’s innocence, claiming he was simply following orders to address an overflowing toilet. However, Louisiana Attorney General Liz Murrill has suggested Williams’ involvement spanned several days.
Five escapees remain at large: Jermaine Donald, Derrick Groves, Antoine Massey, Leo Tate, and Lenton Vanburen. Law enforcement continues to urge the public to come forward with any information regarding their whereabouts, emphasizing that aiding and abetting fugitives will not be tolerated.
Meanwhile, the Louisiana Department of Public Safety and Corrections has launched an investigation into the jail’s operations, including security, staffing, and procedures. Governor Jeff Landry has ordered a multi-agency response to address the “major breach,” demanding transparency and accountability.
Orleans Parish Sheriff Susan Hutson has suspended her reelection campaign to focus on the situation. The Orleans Parish District Attorney has also requested the sheriff’s office to cooperate with a forensic analysis of the escape scene.