Crime
Cortnie Harris and Corvanntay Baptiste Arrested for Aiding Escaped Inmates from Orleans Justice Center
New Orleans, LA – Authorities have arrested two individuals accused of aiding fugitives following the May 16, 2025, escape of ten inmates from the Orleans Justice Center.
As of now, five inmates have been recaptured while the search for the remaining five continues.
Following an intensive multi-agency investigation, Louisiana State Police (LSP) identified 32-year-old Cortnie Harris of New Orleans and 38-year-old Corvanntay Baptiste of Slidell as having provided assistance to the escapees.
According to investigators:
- Cortnie Harris was in direct phone communication with one of the escapees who remains at large. She is also accused of transporting two fugitives—still unaccounted for—to multiple locations within New Orleans in the days following the jailbreak.
- Corvanntay Baptiste allegedly maintained communication with captured escapee Corey Boyd through phone calls and social media. Authorities say Baptiste assisted Boyd by delivering food while Boyd was hiding at a residence.
Both Harris and Baptiste were arrested and charged with one felony count each under LRS 14:25 – Accessory After the Fact.
They have been booked into the Plaquemines Parish Detention Center.
Under Louisiana law, individuals convicted of being accessories after the fact may face up to five years in prison, a fine of up to $500, or both, with or without hard labor.
Law enforcement officials from local, state, and federal agencies continue to pursue all leads to locate the remaining fugitives.
Authorities are issuing a firm warning that anyone found harboring or aiding these escapees will be prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law.
Officials emphasize that assisting fugitives endangers public safety and will not be tolerated.
Anyone with information regarding the fugitives or the ongoing investigation is urged to contact law enforcement through one of the following channels:
- LSP.org – Report Suspicious Activity
- LSP Fusion Center Hotline
- Crime Stoppers Greater New Orleans
- FBI Tip Hotline
A total reward of up to $20,000 per fugitive is being offered for information leading to their arrest:
- Crime Stoppers GNO: $5,000
- ATF: $5,000
- FBI: $10,000
MERIDIAN TOWNSHIP, Mich. – Authorities have confirmed that a suspect is in custody following a shooting incident at the Meridian Mall on Friday afternoon.
As a result, the lockdown at the mall has been lifted.
The Meridian Township Police Department issued a public advisory just before 2:00 p.m., urging residents and shoppers to avoid the area near the Dick’s Sporting Goods entrance while officers conducted an active investigation at the scene.
At this time, police have not released specific details regarding the nature of the shooting, including whether anyone was injured or the circumstances surrounding the suspect’s arrest.
Law enforcement officials continue to investigate the incident and are expected to provide additional information as it becomes available.
The public is asked to remain clear of the immediate area to allow for the ongoing investigation.