Law enforcement agencies are on high alert following the recent jailbreak in New Orleans.
A fourth woman has been arrested in connection with the jailbreak of two inmates from the Orleans Justice Center. Casey Smith, 30, faces charges as authorities continue their investigation. The ongoing effort has resulted in seven arrests linked to the escape, with five remaining fugitives still at large. Law enforcement is intensifying efforts to recapture these escapees while public safety remains a priority. Governor Jeff Landry has also ordered audits for increased oversight of the Orleans jail’s management.
New Orleans – A fourth woman, Casey Smith, aged 30, was arrested on May 22, 2023, after authorities linked her to the escape of two inmates from the Orleans Justice Center on May 16. Smith has been charged with accessory after the fact to simple escape as the ongoing investigation continues to unravel details surrounding the jailbreak.
Investigators discovered that Smith played a role in the transport of at least two of the ten escapees shortly after the breakout. This arrest follows that of Cortnie Harris, 32, who was taken into custody a day earlier. Harris has also been charged with accessory after the fact and is accused of being in contact with one of the five remaining fugitives before the escape. Additionally, she is suspected of driving two escapees to various locations in New Orleans after the jailbreak.
As authorities intensify their efforts to recapture the remaining escapees, Smith was apprehended in the city’s Third District. The ongoing investigation involves multiple law enforcement agencies, and officials are appealing to the public for any information regarding the escapees.
Among those charged in connection with the escape is Connie Weeden, 59, from Slidell, who faces similar charges for allegedly sending cash via a cell phone application to Jermaine Donald, another escapee still at large. Sterling Williams, a 33-year-old maintenance worker at the Orleans Justice Center, was arrested for facilitating the escape by disabling a water source in a cell.
Currently, five out of the ten escapees have been recaptured. The individuals accounted for include Kendell Myles, Robert Moody, Dkenan Dennis, Gary Price, and Corey Boyd. In total, seven people have been charged or arrested in connection with the jailbreak, which has garnered significant public concern.
Emmitt Weber, aged 28, was arrested on May 21 and has also been charged with accessory after the fact for allegedly assisting two of the escapees. Louisiana Attorney General Liz Murrill has vowed to pursue all individuals involved in facilitating the jailbreak, signaling a strong commitment to address the situation.
District Attorney Jason Williams has expressed concerns regarding potential delays in processing forensic evidence related to the escape. There are worries about the lack of immediate action on the part of the Orleans Parish Sheriff’s Office following the incident.
To aid in the search for the escapees, investigators have released surveillance footage showing the fugitives on the run in the French Quarter shortly after their breakout. The jailbreak has raised alarms within the community, leading some victims’ families to feel threatened and even go into hiding.
Governor Jeff Landry has responded to the incident by issuing an executive order for audits and increased oversight of the Orleans jail, which indicates significant implications for the facility’s management and operations. As the chaos surrounding the jailbreak unfolds, Sheriff Susan Hutson’s re-election campaign has been suspended.
The sheriff’s office has not provided any public comments regarding the ongoing investigation that continues to evolve as agencies work together to ensure public safety and accountability for the jailbreak.
As the investigation proceeds, authorities urge anyone with information regarding the escapees to come forward and assist law enforcement in their efforts to ensure a safe environment for the community.
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