Nationwide — Two women have been arrested for allegedly helping inmates escape from the Orleans Justice Center jail, Louisiana State Police announced Wednesday, May 21. Courtnie Harris, 32, of New Orleans, and Corvanntay Baptiste, 38, of Slidell, were each charged with accessory after the fact to the May 16 jailbreak. Both women were booked into the Plaquemines Parish Detention Center and could face up to five years in state prison if convicted.
According to Fox 8 Live, authorities say Harris had prior phone contact with one of the five fugitives still at large and later drove two escapees to various locations around New Orleans. Although state police did not name the inmate directly tied to Harris, a law enforcement source told Fox 8 she was assisting fugitive Leo Tate. Baptiste, meanwhile, is accused of aiding Corey Boyd—who was captured Tuesday night on Iberville Street—by staying in touch through phone and social media, and delivering him food while he was hiding.
The arrests come amid mounting criticism of security lapses at the jail. New Orleans Police Superintendent Anne Kirkpatrick urged those aiding fugitives to reconsider their actions, stating, “If they are acting out of fear or feel trapped, we can help them out of this snare.” Louisiana State Police echoed that sentiment, warning that anyone harboring fugitives will face legal consequences for endangering public safety.
Attorney General Liz Murrill toured the jail Wednesday, confirming the facility’s structural vulnerabilities, which Sheriff Susan Hutson highlighted in a city council meeting the day before. Murrill emphasized that while efforts are underway to reinforce the jail, her top priority remains the capture of the remaining fugitives and prosecution of those who assist them.
This week’s arrests follow the earlier detention of jail maintenance worker Sterling Williams, who faces 10 counts of principal to simple escape and one count of malfeasance in office. Williams claimed he turned off water to a cell only to unclog a toilet and did so under duress, telling investigators that inmate Antoine Massey threatened to stab him if he didn’t cooperate.
As the search continues for five remaining escapees, officials are urging the public to come forward with information and warning that any assistance given to the fugitives will be met with serious charges.