Two Women Arrested for Assisting Orleans Jail Escapees
In a dramatic turn of events, two women have been arrested for allegedly assisting inmates who escaped from an Orleans Parish jail in Louisiana. The state police are working diligently to investigate the escape, with significant leads emerging from the arrest of the women involved in the plot.
The arrests took place following a thorough investigation by the Louisiana State Police, who uncovered phone records linking the women to some of the escaped inmates. These phone records showed clear communication between the women and the fugitives, raising suspicions that they had played an integral role in helping the prisoners evade capture.
Investigation Reveals Key Details
The women were identified as suspects after authorities traced phone calls and social media messages exchanged with the inmates. One of the key individuals involved in this scheme is Kavonte Baptist, who was accused of providing assistance to the escapees. Authorities suggest that Baptist, along with another accomplice, helped the fugitives by providing them with food and acting as a getaway driver.
The situation took a more alarming turn as investigators learned that one of the escapees, Corey Boyd, had been driven around various spots in New Orleans by the suspects. Boyd, who had been awaiting trial on charges including burglary and drug-related offenses, had been on the run for some time. Police later recaptured him after he had managed to stay free for a short period.
The Role of the Women in the Escape
The women, who have not been named yet, face serious charges in connection to the escape. According to police reports, they each face one count of accessory after the fact, a felony offense in Louisiana. This charge is typically leveled against individuals who knowingly assist in the commission of a crime, but are not the ones who directly carry it out. The felony carries a potential sentence of up to five years in prison.
Authorities have stated that the women’s involvement was not limited to mere communication. One of the women was allegedly used to transport the escapees, further complicating the case. The role they played in helping the fugitives evade capture has led to a broader investigation into possible internal involvement at the jail. Sheriff Susan Hutson has launched an internal probe, suspecting that some jail staff may have been involved in aiding the escape, which would further tarnish the reputation of the institution.
Additional Details on the Escaped Inmates
The escapee list includes several individuals who were in the facility awaiting trial on serious charges. One notable name is Antoine Massey, who had previously been accused of threatening another inmate with violence, a claim that surfaced during the investigation. It was reported that Massey had been part of a scheme within the jail to gain preferential treatment, including being given access to contraband.
After the escape, the authorities worked swiftly to track down the remaining fugitives. Some were recaptured quickly, while others remain at large. The state police and local law enforcement agencies continue to investigate the matter, with a focus on uncovering the full extent of the escape plan and identifying other individuals who might have assisted the criminals.
Legal Implications for the Accused
The arrest of the two women highlights the severe consequences that can result from involvement in helping criminals evade justice. While their exact motivations for assisting the fugitives remain unclear, authorities stress that aiding individuals who have committed crimes undermines the justice system and puts the safety of the community at risk.
Sheriff Hutson’s office continues to work on uncovering whether more individuals, particularly those working within the correctional facility, were involved in the escape. With the discovery of phone and social media records, investigators are piecing together a timeline of events that led up to the daring jailbreak.
The two women arrested will now face a court trial where their involvement in the escape will be thoroughly examined. If convicted, they will face significant legal penalties, including lengthy prison sentences. As the investigation progresses, more information is expected to surface, potentially leading to further arrests.
Conclusion
This case sheds light on the significant risks posed by criminal networks both inside and outside of correctional facilities. The swift arrests of the women, coupled with the recovery of phone records and other evidence, serve as a reminder of the ongoing challenges law enforcement faces in maintaining security within the justice system. As the investigation unfolds, the full extent of the escape plot may reveal even more disturbing details, and additional arrests could be imminent.
