On May 16, 2025, one of the most alarming security breaches in Louisiana’s recent history occurred at the Orleans Justice Center in New Orleans, when ten inmates escaped through a hole they created behind a toilet in their cell. The event sent shockwaves through the community, placing the jail under intense scrutiny and triggering a massive statewide manhunt that remains active to this day. In the wake of this unprecedented jailbreak, authorities have arrested two individuals—Cortnie Harris and Corvanntay Baptiste—accused of aiding the escapees, deepening the investigation and underscoring the severity of the situation.
The daring escape unfolded in the early morning hours when the inmates exploited a structural vulnerability within the jail. By removing a combined sink-toilet unit from the wall of their housing pod, they revealed an opening that had gone unnoticed by staff. Surveillance footage later showed the inmates slipping through a small utility corridor, scaling perimeter fences, and disappearing into the night. The boldness of the escape was made more brazen by graffiti found near the exit point, reading “To Easy LoL,” a mocking taunt that highlighted their confidence in outsmarting the facility’s security.
Tragically, the escape went undetected for nearly seven hours. A routine headcount at approximately 8:30 a.m. revealed the absence of the inmates, prompting immediate alarm and a coordinated law enforcement response. This delay raised serious questions about the adequacy of staffing, monitoring, and communication within the Orleans Justice Center, provoking public outrage and demands for accountability.
In response to the incident, Orleans Parish Sheriff Susan Hutson launched a comprehensive internal investigation. The inquiry led to the suspension of three jail employees pending further review, as well as the arrest of a maintenance worker who was allegedly coerced into assisting the inmates by turning off the water supply to the cell. Sheriff Hutson condemned the security failure as “unacceptable” and vowed that all responsible parties would be held accountable.
The investigation quickly extended beyond the jail’s walls, culminating in the arrests of two key suspects accused of facilitating the escape: 32-year-old Cortnie Harris of New Orleans and 38-year-old Corvanntay Baptiste of Slidell.
Harris was found to have been in active communication with at least one of the fugitives before and after the escape. Authorities allege she transported two escapees to multiple safe houses and temporary locations across New Orleans in the critical hours following their breakout, aiding their evasion of law enforcement and extending the threat to public safety.
Baptiste’s involvement reportedly centered around supporting Corey Boyd, one of the escapees who has since been recaptured. Investigators have traced frequent digital communications—including encrypted calls and social media messaging—between Baptiste and Boyd, during which Baptiste allegedly coordinated food deliveries and other assistance to help Boyd remain concealed within the New Orleans metropolitan area.
Both Harris and Baptiste have been charged with felony Accessory After the Fact under Louisiana Revised Statute 14:25, a serious offense that carries potential penalties of up to five years imprisonment and fines of $500 or more. They are currently held at the Plaquemines Parish Detention Center pending bond hearings.
As of late May 2025, authorities have successfully recaptured five of the ten escapees, including Corey Boyd, Kendell Myles, Robert Moody, Gary Price, and Dkenan Dennis. The remaining five fugitives—Antoine Massey, Lenton Vanburen, Jermaine Donald, Leo Tate, and Derrick Groves—remain at large, prompting a broad multi-agency manhunt involving local police, Louisiana State Police, the FBI, U.S. Marshals, and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF).
Public safety concerns are high given the violent criminal backgrounds of many escapees. Law enforcement officials have urged residents to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activity related to the fugitives. A combined reward totaling $20,000 per fugitive has been announced to incentivize tips leading to their apprehension.
Beyond the individual arrests and ongoing manhunt, the escape has exposed systemic issues within the Orleans Justice Center. Calls have intensified for a thorough, independent audit of the facility’s infrastructure, staffing practices, and oversight mechanisms. This is especially critical considering the jail’s history of lawsuits and federal monitoring due to chronic mismanagement and substandard conditions.
Whistleblower reports circulating in media outlets allege that staffing shortages and malfunctioning security systems had been a known problem for months prior to the escape. These revelations have fueled demands from city officials, lawmakers, and community activists for leadership changes and comprehensive reform.
The incident has also reignited tensions between law enforcement and local communities. While many demand swift justice and enhanced security measures, civil rights advocates caution against aggressive policing tactics that may disproportionately target minority populations during the heightened search for fugitives.
Sheriff Susan Hutson has emphasized the gravity of the situation and the department’s commitment to public safety, stating, “This escape is a profound breach of trust. We will leave no stone unturned in holding accountable those who compromised our community’s safety.”
Looking ahead, the coming weeks will be critical for the Orleans Justice Center and New Orleans as a whole. Court proceedings for Harris and Baptiste are expected to commence, shedding light on the extent of their involvement and the networks that enabled the escape. The manhunt for the remaining inmates will continue to strain law enforcement resources while raising urgent questions about the adequacy of correctional facility security statewide.
Moreover, the escape has spurred renewed debate over criminal justice reform, prison conditions, and accountability in Louisiana’s detention system. Advocates call for transparency, improved funding, and investment in rehabilitation programs alongside stringent security measures to prevent future breaches.
The Orleans Justice Center jailbreak serves as a cautionary tale and a rallying point for systemic change. As New Orleans grapples with the aftermath, it is clear that restoring trust will require both decisive action and collaboration among law enforcement, policymakers, and the community.
For those seeking current updates on the investigation, official statements are being regularly issued by the Orleans Parish Sheriff’s Office and the Louisiana State Police. Community members are encouraged to report any pertinent information that may assist in locating the remaining fugitives.
This harrowing event is a stark reminder of the need for vigilance, responsibility, and reform in the correctional system to ensure the safety and security of all citizens. The arrests of Cortnie Harris and Corvanntay Baptiste mark significant milestones in the ongoing pursuit of justice, but the story remains unfinished until all escapees are safely back in custody and lasting improvements are implemented.
