10 Inmates Escape New Orleans Jail Through Toilet Hole; Grandmother Arrested for Sending Money To Fugitive Grandson

A dramatic escape unfolded at the Orleans Justice Center in New Orleans, where 10 inmates slipped out through a hole behind a jail toilet in the early morning hours of May 16 — and the fallout is growing.

Connie Weeden, grandmother of fugitive Jermaine Donald, has been arrested and charged with one felony count of accessory after the fact. According to Louisiana State Police, Weeden allegedly communicated with Donald before and after the escape and sent him money via a mobile app. She was booked into the St. Tammany Parish Correctional Center.

Surveillance footage from inside the jail shows the inmates removing a sliding door and a toilet from the wall around 4 a.m., taking advantage of a moment when a lone guard left the area to get food. Their absence wasn’t discovered until a headcount at 8:30 a.m., giving them hours to flee undetected.

Weeden is now the third civilian arrested in connection with the escape. Earlier this week, Cortnie Harris and Corvanntay Baptiste were also arrested for allegedly helping other escapees with transportation.

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

Five inmates remain on the run, including Jermaine Donald, who faces charges of second-degree murder and illegal firearm possession. The other fugitives still at large are Antoine Massey, Lenton Vanburen Jr., Derrick Groves, and Leo Tate Sr.