Cortnie Harris and Corvanntay Baptiste Arrested for Aiding Escaped Inmates from Orleans Justice Center in Major Multi-Agency Manhunt Following Brazen Jailbreak
Cortnie Harris and Corvanntay Baptiste Arrested for Aiding Escaped Inmates from Orleans Justice Center in Major Multi-Agency Manhunt Following Brazen Jailbreak
NEW ORLEANS, LA — Cortnie Harris and Corvanntay Baptiste were arrested in connection with aiding escapees involved in the unprecedented and deeply alarming May 16, 2025, jailbreak at the Orleans Justice Center, which has since triggered a statewide manhunt and intense scrutiny of jail operations. The escape of ten inmates from one of Louisiana’s most secure detention facilities has rocked both public confidence and local law enforcement infrastructure.
Authorities have confirmed that five of the ten escapees remain at large, and the situation has escalated into one of the most serious security breaches in recent Louisiana history. As the investigation unfolds, Harris and Baptiste are now facing felony charges under Louisiana law for allegedly aiding these fugitives before and after their escape.
The Escape: An Alarming Breach of Jail Security
The escape unfolded during the early hours of May 16, 2025, when ten inmates exploited infrastructure vulnerabilities inside the Orleans Justice Center. Reports indicate that the group removed a sink-toilet unit inside one of the housing pods, accessing a hole in the wall that had gone unnoticed by jail staff.
Surveillance footage revealed that the inmates exited through a small utility corridor and subsequently scaled at least one secure perimeter fence. Alarmingly, the inmates were missing for nearly seven hours before jail authorities even became aware of their disappearance—a critical delay that has become the focus of public criticism and internal reviews.
This shocking breach has prompted Orleans Parish Sheriff Susan Hutson to launch a comprehensive investigation, resulting in the suspension of three jail employees and the arrest of a maintenance worker, who was allegedly coerced into assisting the escape under duress. Sheriff Hutson described the security failure as “unacceptable,” and vowed accountability across every level of the jail’s operation.
The Suspects: Cortnie Harris and Corvanntay Baptiste
The investigation quickly extended beyond the walls of the jail, leading to the arrests of 32-year-old Cortnie Harris of New Orleans and 38-year-old Corvanntay Baptiste of Slidell.
Cortnie Harris:
According to officials with the Louisiana State Police, Harris was in active phone communication with one of the still-missing escapees both before and after the jailbreak. Investigators say Harris transported at least two of the escapees—whose identities have not been publicly confirmed—to multiple safe houses and temporary hiding spots across New Orleans in the immediate aftermath of the escape. Her actions are alleged to have facilitated the inmates’ evasion of law enforcement and contributed to the ongoing threat to public safety.
Corvanntay Baptiste:
Baptiste’s arrest stems from his digital communication with Corey Boyd, one of the escapees who has since been recaptured. Law enforcement reports that Baptiste exchanged frequent messages and calls via social media and encrypted phone apps, allegedly coordinating food deliveries and basic supplies while Boyd was in hiding at a residential location in the New Orleans metro area.
Charges and Legal Ramifications
Both Harris and Baptiste have been formally charged with one felony count each of Accessory After the Fact, in violation of Louisiana Revised Statute 14:25. Under this law, any person who knowingly aids or harbors a criminal after a crime has been committed—especially involving felonies such as prison escape—can face up to five years in prison, fines up to $500, or both, with or without hard labor.
They are currently being held at the Plaquemines Parish Detention Center, and bond decisions are pending as of the latest court filings.
The Manhunt and Ongoing Public Danger
As of this writing, five of the ten original escapees remain at large, and the search has expanded to include local, state, and federal agencies. The FBI, U.S. Marshals, ATF, Louisiana State Police, and the Orleans Parish Sheriff’s Office are all contributing to the investigation.
Authorities have issued a stark public warning: any individual found aiding or harboring a fugitive will be prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law. Sheriff Hutson reiterated the gravity of the situation, stating:
“This is not just a breach of a jail. This is a breach of public trust. We will not tolerate anyone who obstructs justice or compromises the safety of our city.”
Multiple reward offers have been announced for tips leading to the capture of the remaining fugitives:
- Crime Stoppers Greater New Orleans: $5,000
- ATF: $5,000
- FBI: $10,000
Total: $20,000 per fugitive
Systemic Failures and Accountability
Beyond individual arrests, this incident has prompted a broader reckoning with the systemic failures inside the Orleans Justice Center. Lawmakers, city officials, and watchdog organizations are now calling for an independent audit of the jail’s infrastructure, staffing procedures, and oversight mechanisms.
The jail, which has previously faced lawsuits and federal scrutiny for conditions and mismanagement, is once again under the microscope. Legal analysts suggest that criminal negligence charges could potentially be filed if any staff are found to have been grossly inattentive or complicit in facilitating the escape.
A whistleblower report circulating among media outlets also alleges that staffing shortages and broken security systems were known for months prior to the escape, further fueling demands for reform and leadership accountability.
Public Reaction and Community Tensions
The escape—and the subsequent arrests of Harris and Baptiste—have reignited long-standing tensions between law enforcement, the judicial system, and community members in New Orleans.
Civil rights advocates have expressed concern that racial profiling or over-policing may arise as police expand their dragnet for the remaining fugitives. At the same time, victims of violent crime and concerned citizens are voicing demands for stronger safety protocols and swift justice for those aiding in what is now being described as a “coordinated breakout conspiracy.”
What Comes Next
The coming weeks will be crucial as:
- Trials and hearings for Cortnie Harris and Corvanntay Baptiste begin.
- The search for the five remaining fugitives intensifies.
- The Orleans Justice Center faces scrutiny for lapses in internal procedures.
- Broader calls for criminal justice reform and oversight gain momentum.
The story of this jail escape and those accused of enabling it is far from over. As New Orleans navigates this high-stakes crisis, the balance between security, justice, and civil liberties hangs in the balance.
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