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An inmate has been apprehended as part of the ongoing investigation surrounding the escape at the Orleans Justice Center, according to Louisiana Attorney General Liz Murrill.
The inmate, Trevon Williams, was already in custody during the incident that occurred on May 16, when ten individuals managed to escape from the New Orleans facility.
Authorities are preparing to file additional charges against Williams, pertaining to his alleged involvement in the incident that facilitated the jailbreak. However, further details regarding his specific role remain undisclosed.
Attorney General Murrill stated in a recent post on X that accountability is essential. She emphasized, “While Trevon Williams was already incarcerated, we will be filing additional charges related to the escape. We will continue our investigation and follow all of the facts to ensure we get accountability.”
Continuing Investigation and Arrests
Williams represents the latest individual linked to what has escalated into a broad criminal conspiracy aimed at aiding the ten escapees. Murrill reiterated her commitment to holding each person involved during this escapade accountable.
As of Friday evening, authorities reported that five individuals had been arrested in connection with the escape. Casey Smith, aged 30, was taken into custody on Thursday for allegedly assisting two fugitives immediately following the jailbreak, reportedly by transporting them to various locations.
On the same day, Louisiana State Police captured 59-year-old Connie Weeden of Slidell on one felony charge of being an accessory after the fact. Official reports indicated that Weeden was in contact with escapee Jermaine Donald both prior to and post his jailbreak. Additionally, she is accused of sending him cash through a mobile app after he fled.
Further Arrests in the Conspiracy
In a series of arrests, a third accomplice was taken into custody recently, while two other women, Cortnie Harris and Corvanntay Baptiste, faced charges on Wednesday for their alleged roles as accessories after the fact in the jailbreak.
One alarming aspect of this investigation is the involvement of a maintenance worker at the Orleans Justice Center, Sterling Williams. He was arrested and charged for reportedly disabling a cell’s water supply to enable the inmates to remove a toilet and escape through an opening behind it. He faces ten counts related to the escape, and one count of malfeasance in office. Currently, he is held on a substantial bond of $1.1 million, with $100,000 assigned to each count, at the Plaquemines Parish Jail.
Fugitives Still at Large
Despite the arrests made thus far, several fugitives remain at large. Authorities have alerted the public that these individuals should be considered armed and dangerous.
As the investigation progresses, law enforcement encourages anyone possessing relevant information to come forward. There are avenues for the public to provide tips anonymously through Crimestoppers of Greater New Orleans by calling 504-822-1111 or toll-free at 1-877-903-STOP.
Ongoing Efforts for Public Safety
This escalating situation highlights the ongoing issues of security and administrative procedures within correctional facilities. It serves as a wake-up call for policymakers and law enforcement to evaluate existing protocols to prevent similar incidents in the future.
The series of arrests emphasizes the collaborative efforts of local, state, and federal authorities as they work towards securing justice in this case. Attorney General Murrill’s unwavering commitment to transparency and accountability will hopefully instill public confidence in the justice system.
The community remains on high alert as they await updates regarding the ongoing investigation. Local authorities are expected to provide further details as soon as they become available, ensuring that the public remains informed about the developments of this troubling jailbreak scenario.
