NEW ORLEANS — The Louisiana State Police continue to intensify efforts surrounding the escape of 10 inmates from the Orleans Parish Jail, announcing the arrests of two additional individuals believed to have aided the fugitives. The latest arrests deepen the scope of an already complex investigation that has gripped the city and placed renewed scrutiny on jail security and public safety protocols.
Cortnie Harris, 32, of New Orleans, and Corvanntay Baptiste, 38, of Slidell, were taken into custody for their alleged roles in helping the escapees evade law enforcement. According to investigators, Harris provided direct support to two of the escaped inmates—both of whom remain at large—by communicating with them via phone and transporting them to various locations throughout the city. Authorities did not disclose the specific identities of the escapees she assisted but emphasized the seriousness of her involvement in extending their time on the run.
Baptiste, meanwhile, is accused of using both phone and social media platforms to assist escapee Corey Boyd, who was recaptured Tuesday night in New Orleans East. According to state police, Baptiste played a critical role in supplying Boyd with food during his time as a fugitive, allegedly helping to sustain him while evading authorities.
Both Harris and Baptiste were arrested and charged with one felony count each of accessory after the fact. They were booked into the Plaquemines Parish Jail, where they await further legal proceedings.
Under Louisiana law, a conviction for accessory after the fact carries serious consequences—up to five years of imprisonment, with or without hard labor, and/or a fine of up to $500. State police emphasized that these arrests are part of an ongoing effort to bring all responsible parties to justice, not just the inmates who fled custody, but also those who provided them with aid and shelter.
“Let this serve as a clear message,” a Louisiana State Police spokesperson said. “Anyone who chooses to assist individuals who have escaped lawful custody will face consequences. We are committed to tracking down every lead and holding all involved accountable.”
This latest development comes amid growing concern and scrutiny over how such a large-scale escape occurred in the first place. The Orleans Justice Center, often criticized for overcrowding and staffing shortages, has been the subject of numerous reviews and reform efforts in recent years. This escape—one of the most significant in recent memory—has prompted renewed calls for accountability and urgent reform within the facility.
The initial escape set off a massive manhunt across Orleans Parish and beyond. While several inmates have since been recaptured, multiple fugitives remain at large, and their whereabouts are unknown. Law enforcement agencies at the local, state, and federal levels continue to work in coordination to apprehend the remaining escapees and investigate any individuals who may have provided assistance.
Community members have been urged to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activity or known connections to the escaped individuals. Authorities have also warned the public against harboring or aiding fugitives, stressing that such actions not only hinder law enforcement but also put the broader community at risk.
As the investigation progresses, the arrests of Harris and Baptiste mark another chapter in a troubling incident that has raised serious concerns about inmate oversight, facility management, and public trust. With more arrests possible in the days ahead, the case continues to evolve and is expected to have lasting implications for the Orleans Parish Jail system and criminal justice oversight in Louisiana.
For now, the search continues—for both the remaining fugitives and for answers as to how this breach of security happened and who else may have played a role in aiding those who escaped justice.
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