New Orleans, Louisiana – Law enforcement agencies across Louisiana remain on high alert as the search continues for five inmates who escaped from the Orleans Justice Center on May 16, 2025. The incident, which has drawn attention from local, state, and federal authorities, has already resulted in the apprehension of five escapees. However, the ongoing investigation has revealed that two individuals allegedly aided some of the fugitives, leading to their arrest.
Investigation Uncovers Assistance to Fugitives
According to the Louisiana State Police (LSP), investigators determined that 32-year-old Cortnie Harris of New Orleans and 38-year-old Corvanntay Baptiste of Slidell helped facilitate the escape and concealment of some inmates. Harris is accused of being in contact via phone with an escapee who remains at large and transporting two fugitives to various locations throughout New Orleans. Baptiste allegedly communicated with Corey Boyd, a captured escapee, through phone and social media and assisted him by providing food while he was hiding in a residence.
Both Harris and Baptiste have been charged under Louisiana Revised Statute 14:25, which defines “accessory after the fact” as knowingly helping someone avoid arrest or prosecution after a felony has been committed. This charge is a felony that can result in a fine of up to $500, imprisonment for up to five years with or without hard labor, or both. The suspects were transported to the Plaquemines Parish Detention Center for booking.
Ongoing Search and Community Involvement
Authorities emphasize that anyone who aids or conceals a fugitive is breaking the law and will face prosecution. Law enforcement officials warn that harboring fugitives endangers the safety of communities, and such actions will not be tolerated.
The search for the remaining five escapees is ongoing, with multiple agencies collaborating to pursue every lead. Officials are urging anyone with information about the fugitives’ whereabouts or relevant details about the investigation to come forward. Reports can be made anonymously through several channels, including the LSP website’s suspicious activity link, the LSP Fusion Center, Crime Stoppers GNO, and the FBI hotline.
Rewards Offered for Information
To encourage public assistance, authorities have announced a combined reward of up to $20,000 per fugitive. The reward structure includes $5,000 from Crime Stoppers GNO, $5,000 from the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), and $10,000 from the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI).
Legal Ramifications
Under Louisiana law, being an accessory after the fact is a serious offense. Individuals convicted of sheltering or aiding fugitives may face jail time, fines, or both.
How to Report Information
Anyone with tips is encouraged to contact:
- The LSP website via the Report Suspicious Activity link
- The LSP Fusion Center
- Crime Stoppers GNO
- The FBI Hotline
Authorities remind the public that all tips can be provided anonymously and may qualify for the reward if they lead to the arrest of a fugitive.
An arrest is an indication that probable cause exists to believe the subject was involved in the offense alleged. All persons are presumed innocent until proven guilty.