New Orleans Grandmother Charged After Sending Money to Escaped Inmate Grandson

Another person is now behind bars after a daring escape at the Orleans Justice Center in New Orleans, where 10 inmates slipped through a hole behind a jail toilet.

Connie Weeden has been arrested for allegedly helping one of the fugitives, her grandson Jermaine Donald.

State Police say Weeden is charged with one felony count of accessory after the fact. She was booked at St. Tammany Parish Correctional Center after evidence showed she communicated with Donald before and after the May 16th escape and sent him money using a phone app.

Surveillance footage shows the inmates prying a sliding door off its track around 4 a.m. while a lone guard left to get food. They then removed a toilet from the wall and slipped out undetected until a headcount at 8:30 a.m.

Weeden is the third civilian arrested in connection with the escape. Earlier this week, Cortnie Harris and Corvanntay Baptiste were taken into custody, accused of helping other escapees with transportation.

“Those who choose to assist or conceal these individuals are violating the law and will be held accountable,” said state police. “Harboring fugitives threatens the safety of our communities and will not be tolerated.”

Five escapees remain on the run: Jermaine Donald, Antoine Massey, Lenton Vanburen Jr., Derrick Groves, and Leo Tate Sr. Donald faces serious charges, including second-degree murder and weapon possession as a felon.