An arrest in New Orleans this week has put two local women, Courtnie Harris and Corvanntay Baptiste, at the center of a dramatic manhunt involving a recent Orleans Justice Center jailbreak.

According to Fox 8, Louisiana State Police confirmed on Wednesday that Harris, 32, and Baptiste, 38, were each booked with accessory after the fact for their alleged roles in assisting fugitives who escaped from jail on May 16. Both women now face the possibility of up to five years in state prison if convicted.

Investigators allege Harris was in contact by phone with at least one escapee before the jailbreak and later drove two of the fugitives to several locations in New Orleans while they were on the run. Baptiste, meanwhile, is accused of assisting captured escapee Corey Boyd, communicating with him via phone and social media and bringing food as he hid out.

Accusations of direct involvement in escape

Authorities have not released the names of all inmates directly linked to Harris, but a law enforcement source told Fox 8 that her efforts were aimed at helping Leo Tate, one of the five escapees still at large. Law enforcement describes her actions as a deliberate attempt to provide material support as the fugitives evaded police. Harris was booked into the Plaquemines Parish Detention Center after her arrest.

As for Baptiste, Louisiana State Police allege she directly aided Corey Boyd, who was recaptured Tuesday night in the 1400 block of Iberville Street. Troopers say she not only communicated with Boyd but also delivered food to him while he was hiding in a residence. Both women are accused of knowingly and intentionally helping fugitives, a crime that authorities say threatens public safety.

If charged and convicted, Harris and Baptiste each face a potential sentence of up to five years in state prison. Their arrests come amid a broader law enforcement effort to recapture all ten individuals who escaped, half of whom remain at large as of Wednesday.

Law enforcement calls for public cooperation

New Orleans Police Department Superintendent Anne Kirkpatrick urged anyone assisting the fugitives to reconsider their actions. She acknowledged that some may be acting out of fear or coercion but emphasized that there are options for those who wish to step away from involvement.

Kirkpatrick told Fox 8:

They can change course. So, if they are acting out of fear, if they are participating in any way and they decide, ‘No, I don’t want to be a part of this,’ we can help them by calling us. And we will help them get out of this snare.

Louisiana State Police also issued a stern warning to the public, making it clear that harboring escapees is a criminal offense. In a statement, the agency stressed that such actions not only violate the law but also endanger the safety of the community at large.

Attorney General Liz Murrill visited the Orleans Justice Center jail Wednesday morning to assess the situation firsthand. She confirmed that ongoing infrastructure problems, previously cited by Sheriff Susan Hutson, remain a concern as the state’s Department of Corrections evaluates how to strengthen security.

Jail staff under investigation for possible complicity

The investigation into the jailbreak has extended beyond civilians. Earlier this week, jail maintenance worker Sterling Williams was arrested and charged with 10 counts of principal to simple escape and one count of malfeasance in office.

Williams claimed he was coerced by threats from inmate Antoine Massey, who allegedly threatened to “shank him” if he refused to shut off water to a cell toilet—a step that facilitated the escape.

Michael Kennedy, Williams’ attorney, responded to the allegations by asserting that his client’s actions were limited to unclogging a toilet, not enabling a breakout. The case against Williams is ongoing, and his legal team continues to challenge the charges.

Why This Story Matters

This story highlights the consequences of infrastructure failure and the ripple effect it can have on public safety. It also brings attention to how everyday citizens can become entangled in criminal activities. Transparency, justice, and stronger prevention measures are vital to keeping communities secure.

Conclusion

Five inmates escaped the Orleans Justice Center on May 16, leading to an extensive law enforcement response. Two women — Courtnie Harris and Corvanntay Baptiste — were arrested a few days later for allegedly helping the escapees avoid capture. Their charges follow the earlier arrest of a jail employee accused of enabling the escape. These events have triggered high-level scrutiny of jail infrastructure, safety measures, and criminal liability for those assisting fugitives. Law enforcement continues working to apprehend the remaining fugitives and prevent future incidents of this kind.