News Summary
Connie Weeden, 59, has been arrested for aiding in the jailbreak of ten inmates from a New Orleans jail. Charged with being an accessory after the fact, she allegedly communicated with escapee Jermaine Donald and sent him funds. The jailbreak, involving serious criminal charges against the inmates, has raised security concerns about the Orleans Justice Center. A manhunt is ongoing for the five remaining escapees, while multiple arrests related to aiding the inmates have been made, highlighting a swift law enforcement response.
New Orleans – A 59-year-old woman, Connie Weeden, was arrested on May 22 for her involvement in the jailbreak of ten inmates from a New Orleans jail earlier this month. Authorities allege that Weeden assisted escapee Jermaine Donald, who remains on the run. According to the Louisiana State Police, Weeden communicated with Donald before and after the escape and sent him money through a cell phone app.
Weeden has been charged with one felony count of being an accessory after the fact and is currently held at St. Tammany Parish Correctional Center. If she is convicted, she could face up to five years in prison and a fine of $500.
The jailbreak took place in the early hours of May 16 when inmates broke out by removing a toilet and sink unit to create a hole in the wall. Allegedly, a maintenance worker assisted the inmates by shutting off the water supply at their request. Following the escape, three other individuals, including two women, have also been charged with providing transportation or food to the escapees.
As of May 22, the ongoing manhunt for the five remaining escaped inmates entered its seventh day. So far, law enforcement has successfully recaptured five of the ten inmates. Those apprehended include Robert Moody, Dkenan Dennis, Kendall Myles, Gary Price, and Corey Boyd. The inmates still at large are identified as Derrick Groves, Leo Tate, Jermaine Donald, Lenton Vanburen, and Antoine Massey.
Multiple security failures at the Orleans Justice Center have been cited as contributing factors to the jailbreak. Reports indicate inadequate supervision, ongoing understaffing, and a planned shift change among jail staff all played a role in the incident. At the time of the escape, staff were reportedly functioning at only 60% of the required capacity, which led to missed opportunities for immediate response.
The inmates involved in the escape faced a range of serious criminal charges, including violent offenses such as second-degree murder and attempted murder. In 2023, Derrick Groves was convicted of two counts of second-degree murder connected to an incident that occurred during Mardi Gras. Some inmates had been held at the facility for extended periods due to criminal processing delays, prompting Louisiana Governor Jeff Landry to demand an inquiry into these issues.
Authorities have criticized the Orleans Justice Center for failing to maintain proper security measures, which were reportedly insufficient and violated federal standards for inmate supervision. Sheriff Susan Hutson is calling for an investigation into long-standing plumbing issues and poor conditions at the facility, which may have contributed to the jailbreak. Graffiti left at the escape site suggests that the escapees believed the process was “too easy.”
The manhunt for the escapees has involved over 200 law enforcement personnel from federal and state agencies. Attorney General Liz Murrill has warned that anyone aiding the escapees will face arrest and prosecution. Recent days have seen multiple arrests related to individuals who aided the inmates’ escape, reflecting a swift response from authorities aiming to resolve the jailbreak incident.
In summary, the escape from the New Orleans jail has raised serious concerns regarding security practices and the handling of inmates, prompting a broader examination of the system and calls for accountability. The manhunt continues as law enforcement works diligently to recapture the remaining fugitives.
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