Slidell woman accused of helping an escaped inmates has posted bond

A Slidell woman accused of helping one of the escaped inmates has posted bond.According to jail record, Connie Weeden, 59, of Slidell was released from the St. Tammany Parish Jail Saturday after bonding out. Weeden was arrested on May 22 for allegedly giving money to one of the escaped inmates, Jermaine Donald. Investigators say Weeden provided cash to Donald via a cellphone app. As a result of the investigation, Weeden was found in Slidell and placed under arrest. She is facing a charge of felony accessory after the fact.Donald and another inmate, Leo Tate, were captured in Walker County, Texas, by Huntsville Police on Monday, May 26.Two inmates, Antoine Massey and Derrick Groves, remain on the run.

A Slidell woman accused of helping one of the escaped inmates has posted bond.

According to jail record, Connie Weeden, 59, of Slidell was released from the St. Tammany Parish Jail Saturday after bonding out.

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Weeden was arrested on May 22 for allegedly giving money to one of the escaped inmates, Jermaine Donald.

Investigators say Weeden provided cash to Donald via a cellphone app. As a result of the investigation, Weeden was found in Slidell and placed under arrest.

She is facing a charge of felony accessory after the fact.

Donald and another inmate, Leo Tate, were captured in Walker County, Texas, by Huntsville Police on Monday, May 26.

Two inmates, Antoine Massey and Derrick Groves, remain on the run.

Unrelenting law enforcement agents continue to hunt for Lenton Vanburen, Antoine Massey, Derrick Groves, Leo Tate, and Jermaine Donald.

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NEW ORLEANS — Local and federal law enforcement agencies continue to hunt for escaped inmates Lenton Vanburen, Antoine Massey, Derrick Groves, Leo Tate, and Jermaine Donald. They are the only ones left of the 10 inmates who broke out of the Orleans Parish jail in New Orleans.

More than a week after the escape, all five remain at large. Nine individuals have been arrested in connection with the breakout, and four others—Lenton J. Vanburen Sr., Angel McKey, Emmitt Weber, and Trevon B. Williams—appeared in court via Zoom on Saturday, where a judge set bond amounts ranging from $1 million to $2.5 million.

Additional Arrests Tied to Orleans Justice Center Jailbreak

Authorities arrested three more women suspected of aiding the escaped inmates, including Patricia Vanburen, 18, Tyshanea Randolph, 27, and Lenika Vanburen, 28, who face accessory and fugitive charges. Patricia and Tyshanea are accused of driving escapee Lenton Vanburen Jr. out of state to Mississippi.

Patricia Vanburen and Tyshanea Randolph had their bonds set at $1 million each. These arrests increase the total number charged in connection with the jailbreak.

Authorities arrested another woman Thursday for allegedly helping two inmates flee the facility on May 16.

Casey Smith, 30, was booked with accessory after the fact to simple escape. New Orleans Police say she transported at least two fugitives shortly after they fled the jail.

Louisiana Attorney General Liz Murrill also confirmed that one inmate was re-booked after new evidence tied him to the escape plan.

On Friday, officers arrested Emmitt Weber after conducting interviews at a New Orleans East residence suspected of harboring fugitives. Weber is charged with accessory after the fact and accused of assisting two escapees. Authorities did not identify which inmates he allegedly aided.

Slidell Woman Charged with Aiding Escapee Jermaine Donald

Louisiana State Police announced the arrest of 59-year-old Connie Weeden of Slidell, who was booked into the St. Tammany Parish Correctional Center on a felony accessory charge.

Weeden is accused of communicating with escapee Jermaine Donald before and after the jailbreak and sending him money through a phone app. Donald remains on the run.

Weeden is among others charged in the case, including Cortnie Harris, 32, and Corvanntay Baptiste, 38. Harris is accused of transporting two fugitives. Baptiste allegedly hid and fed Corey Boyd during his time on the run.

DA Criticizes Delay in Processing Jail Escape Scene

District Attorney Jason Williams said his office had to formally request forensic processing of the escape route, claiming the Orleans Parish Sheriff’s Office failed to do so.

“Chief Kirkpatrick indicated that she had not received that formal request from the sheriff,” Williams said, referring to the NOPD superintendent.

Williams’ office sent two letters: one requesting DNA and fingerprint samples from OPSO staff, and another seeking surveillance footage and staffing records dating back to April 1.

“It is critically important to get all fugitives back into custody. But it is equally important that we identify and hold accountable anyone who facilitated or assisted with this historic jailbreak,” Williams said.

Timeline of Escape Captured in Surveillance Footage

Investigators released surveillance video detailing the full timeline of the escape:

12:22 a.m. – Inmates tamper with a sliding door.

12:43 a.m. – Enter a cell and disappear behind a toilet into a plumbing chase.

1:00 a.m. – Exit through the loading dock.

1:19 a.m. – Cross I-10 after climbing jail fences.

2:10 a.m. – Three inmates walk through downtown New Orleans wearing jail uniforms.

By 9:50 a.m., Project NOLA cameras captured two escapees in the French Quarter. One of them, Kendell Myles, was arrested less than two hours later under a vehicle in the Hotel Monteleone garage.

Court records also revealed that Tevin Arbuthnot, 25, and Demetrius Favaroth, 20, attempted a similar escape on May 1. Both were captured on May 16.

Inmates Captured vs. Inmates Still at Large

In custody:

Kendell Myles, 20

Robert Moody, 21

Dkenan Dennis, 24

Gary C. Price, 21

Corey Boyd, 19

All are now held at Louisiana State Penitentiary, also known as Angola.

Still wanted:

Lenton Vanburen, 26 – second-degree murder, armed robbery

Antoine Massey, 32 – repeat escapee

Derrick Groves, 27 – convicted in four killings

Leo Tate, 31 – drug, burglary, weapons charges

Jermaine Donald, 42 – second-degree murder

Family History of Fugitive Derrick Groves Draws Attention

Still on the run, Derrick Groves is the grandson of Kim Groves, who was murdered in 1994 under orders from NOPD officer Len Davis—a key figure in one of the city’s most notorious police corruption scandals.

“A small child hearing how his grandmother was killed by police… it had a big factor in him,” said Gail Slack, a family friend who helped raise Groves. “But he’s still my Derrick. He’s still my baby.”

Slack issued a public plea: “Be safe and turn yourself in.”

DA Williams said some victims’ families have been forced into hiding, and two prosecutors involved in Groves’ case have relocated out of state.

The family of Jamar Robinson, one of Groves’ victims, criticized the jail’s security failures in a public statement Friday: “It is both alarming and distressing that this situation was allowed to happen.”

Governor Orders Sweeping Action After Orleans Parish Jail Escape

Governor Jeff Landry issued an executive order this week mandating the removal of all Department of Corrections inmates from the Orleans Justice Center. He also called for facility audits and increased statewide oversight.

Attorney General Murrill is spearheading a criminal investigation into the escape, citing long-standing security flaws.

“The right locks and hinges on their doors save us a lot of money,” Murrill said.

​The charges range from accessory after the fact to principal to simple escape. Investigators said the group aided the escapees in various ways.

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NEW ORLEANS — Authorities have charged nine individuals in connection with the daring escape of 10 inmates from the Orleans Justice Center last week, including civilians, an inmate and a maintenance worker.

Among those charged are Lenton J. Vanburen Sr., Angel McKey, Emmitt Weber, Trevon B. Williams, Casey Smith, Connie Weeden, Cortnie Harris, Corvanntay Baptiste, and a maintenance worker, Sterling Williams.

The charges range from accessory after the fact to principal to simple escape. Investigators said the group aided the escapees in various ways, from providing transportation and supplies to harboring fugitives and facilitating communication.

Cortnie Harris and Corvanntay Baptiste

On May 21, 2025, Louisiana State Police arrested Cortnie Harris, 32, and Corvanntay Baptiste, 38, for allegedly assisting fugitives who escaped from the Orleans Justice Center on May 16. Both face felony charges of accessory after the fact for providing food, rides, and communication to inmates still on the run. They were booked into the Plaquemines Parish Detention Center.

A magistrate judge set Harris’ bond at $2.5 million and Baptiste’s bond was set at $1 million.

Jail worker charged with aiding 10 inmates in escape

Sterling Williams, 33, the maintenance worker charged with aiding 10 inmates in the May 16 Orleans Justice Center escape, is being wrongly blamed, his attorney said.

Lawyer Michael Kennedy said Williams was simply doing his job as the jail’s plumber when he turned off water to a clogged, out-of-use toilet stall at a deputy’s request — not to help inmates escape. Kennedy rejected claims that Williams acted under inmate threats, calling it “jailhouse banter” and “a complete mischaracterization.” Williams, held on a $1.1 million bond, has worked at the jail for five years with no prior arrests. His attorney criticized the bond as excessive and said Williams is being used as a scapegoat in the case.

Connie Weeden, third woman arrested

Louisiana State Police arrested 59-year-old Connie Weeden of Slidell on May 22, charging her with one felony count of accessory after the fact for helping inmate Jermaine Donald, who remains at large. Investigators said Weeden was in contact with Donald before and after the escape and provided him cash via a cell phone app. She was booked into the St. Tammany Parish Correctional Center.

Casey Smith, fourth woman arrested

Casey Smith, 30, was arrested for allegedly helping three escaped inmates by driving them around New Orleans days after the jailbreak. She’s charged with accessory after the fact and has a $1 million bond. Smith’s lawyer said she was just a passenger and didn’t know the inmates; Smith is also cousins with Cortnie Harris, who allegedly coordinated the rides.

Inmate Trevon Williams rebooked

Trevon Williams, an inmate at Orleans Justice Center, was rebooked on 10 counts of Principal to Simple Escape for his role in the jailbreak, Attorney General Liz Murrill announced on Friday, May 23. His bond was set at $2.5 million, which is $250,000 for each count, NOLA.com reported. Williams didn’t escape with the others, but investigators said he helped by giving them a blanket and shirt used to climb over the jail’s razor wire fence, our partners reported.

NOPD arrests Emmitt Weber for aiding Orleans jail escapees

NOPD arrested 28-year-old Emmitt Weber Friday, May 23, in New Orleans East after executing a high-risk warrant and questioning four people. Weber faces one count of accessory after the fact to simple escape and is being held on a $1 million bond for allegedly helping two inmates who escaped the Orleans Justice Center.

Lenton J. Vanburen Sr., 48, and Angel McKey, 41, have both been arrested and charged with accessory after the fact in connection to the Orleans Justice Center jailbreak.

Vanburen Sr. is being held on a $1 million bond and also faces an outstanding warrant for alleged theft from March. It’s unclear if he is related to Lenton J. Vanburen Jr., 26, who remains at large. McKey was also booked on accessory after the fact charges and held on a $1 million bond.

So far, five of the 10 escapees remain at large, and a $20,000 reward is offered for information leading to their capture. Law enforcement continues an intense search effort involving local, state, and federal agencies.

How to help

Up to $20,000 in reward money is available for each fugitive. If you know anything, contact:

FBI: 1-800-CALL-FBI

Crime Stoppers: 504-822-1111

LSP Fusion Center: 225-925-4192

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As the manhunt continues, here is everything that we know.

A joint task force of federal and local law enforcement is searching for Lenton Vanburen, Antoine Massey, Derrick Groves, Leo Tate, and Jermaine Donald. Five individuals have been arrested for allegedly helping the escapees.

As the search enters day nine, here is the latest:

More Arrests Made in Connection with Massive Jailbreak at Orleans Justice Center

A woman was taken into custody Thursday for allegedly assisting two inmates who escaped May 16 from the Orleans Justice Center.

Casey Smith, 30, was booked with accessory after the fact to simple escape. According to New Orleans Police, she transported at least two fugitives shortly after the jailbreak.

Louisiana Attorney General Liz Murrill announced that one inmate has been re-booked in connection with the escape after new evidence linked him to the plan.

Also Friday, police arrested Emmitt Weber after questioning people at a New Orleans East home suspected of aiding fugitives. He is charged with accessory after the fact and is accused of helping two escapees, though officials did not identify which ones.

Slidell Woman Accused of Sending Money to Escapee Jermaine Donald

Louisiana State Police said 59-year-old Connie Weeden of Slidell was arrested Thursday and booked into St. Tammany Parish Correctional Center on a felony accessory charge.

Weeden allegedly communicated with escapee Jermaine Donald before and after the jailbreak and sent him money via a phone app. Donald remains at large.

She joins Cortnie Harris, 32, and Corvanntay Baptiste, 38, who were previously arrested. Harris is accused of transporting two fugitives, while Baptiste allegedly hid and fed Corey Boyd while he was in hiding.

“Harboring fugitives threatens the safety of our communities and will not be tolerated,” LSP said.

DA Says Escape Site Went Unprocessed for Days Amid Delayed OPSO Response

District Attorney Jason Williams said Thursday his office had to formally request forensic processing of the escape site, which he said the Orleans Parish Sheriff’s Office did not initiate.

“Chief Kirkpatrick indicated that she had not received that formal request from the sheriff,” Williams said, referencing the NOPD superintendent.

His office sent two letters: one seeking voluntary DNA and fingerprint samples from OPSO staff, and another requesting surveillance and staffing records back to April 1.

“It is critically important to get all fugitives back into custody. But it is equally important that we identify and hold accountable anyone who facilitated or assisted with this historic jailbreak,” Williams said.

Surveillance Footage Reveals Step-by-Step Timeline of Jail Escape

Investigators released additional surveillance footage showing the full escape timeline:

12:22 a.m. – Inmates tamper with a sliding door.

12:43 a.m. – They enter a cell and slip behind a toilet into a plumbing chase.

1:00 a.m. – They exit through a loading dock and disappear.

1:19 a.m. – They are seen crossing I-10 after climbing fences.

2:10 a.m. – Three inmates walk calmly downtown in jail uniforms.

At 9:50 a.m., Project NOLA cameras caught two escapees in the French Quarter. One escaped inmate, Kendell Myles, was arrested less than two hours later. He was found hiding under a car in the Hotel Monteleone garage.

Court records also show that Tevin Arbuthnot, 25, and Demetrius Favaroth, 20, attempted a similar escape on May 1. Both were arrested on May 16.

Who’s Been Captured and Who’s Still on the Run After New Orleans Jailbreak

Back in custody:

Kendell Myles, 20

Robert Moody, 21

Dkenan Dennis, 24

Gary C. Price, 21

Corey Boyd, 19

All are now held at Angola, the state’s maximum-security prison.

Still missing:

Lenton Vanburen, 26 – second-degree murder, armed robbery

Antoine Massey, 32 – repeat escapee

Derrick Groves, 27 – convicted of four killings

Leo Tate, 31 – drug, burglary, gun charges

Jermaine Donald, 42 – second-degree murder

Fugitive Derrick Groves’ Family Past Draws New Scrutiny Amid Manhunt

Still at large, Derrick Groves is the grandson of Kim Groves, murdered in 1994 on orders from NOPD officer Len Davis — one of New Orleans’ most notorious police corruption cases.

“A small child hearing how his grandmother was killed by police… it had a big factor in him,” said Gail Slack, a family friend who helped raise Groves. “But he’s still my Derrick. He’s still my baby.”

Slack pleaded for him to surrender: “Be safe and turn yourself in.”

Williams said some victims’ families are in hiding and that two prosecutors in Groves’ case have left the state.

The family of Jamar Robinson, one of Groves’ victims, criticized the sheriff’s office for allowing the escape. “It is both alarming and distressing that this situation was allowed to happen,” the family said in a Friday statement.

Louisiana Governor Orders Crackdown After Orleans Justice Center Escape

Governor Jeff Landry signed an executive order this week removing all Department of Corrections inmates from the Orleans jail. He also ordered audits and statewide oversight.

Attorney General Murrill is leading a criminal investigation, citing longstanding issues at the facility:

“The right locks and hinges on their doors save us a lot of money.”

Short-handed Jail Staffing and Ignored Warnings Blamed in Security Breach

WWL-TV’s investigation found no deputy was on Pod 1-Delta during the escape. OPSO said a technician had left to get food.

Low staffing has left some deputies covering entire floors alone.

A federal court monitor overseeing the jail’s consent decree warned last year: “There continue to be housing units and control rooms with no staff.”

“This certainly should not be,” said former Sheriff Marlin Gusman, who designed the jail for direct supervision.

NOPD Facial Recognition Delay Questioned After Missed Alert

Although NOPD used Project NOLA’s facial recognition system to identify Myles, the department had suspended real-time alerts weeks earlier, drawing criticism from the City Council.

“You could’ve gotten two for the picture of one,” said Councilmember Oliver Thomas.