Another suspect is behind bars following an expanding investigation into a bold jailbreak from a New Orleans correctional facility, as law enforcement continues to hunt down those still on the run.
The New Orleans Police Department confirmed Friday that Emmitt Weber, 28, was taken into custody at a local residence, along with three other individuals. Weber now faces charges of accessory after the fact of simple escape for his alleged role in assisting two inmates who broke out of the Orleans Parish Correctional Facility.
His arrest marks the latest development in the ongoing search and crackdown that began after 10 inmates escaped on May 16. Since then, authorities have been working around the clock to track down both the escapees and their outside accomplices. As of Friday, five inmates remain unaccounted for.
Earlier in the week, Corey Boyd was captured, becoming the most recent escapee to be brought back into custody. He joined Kendell Myles, Robert Moody, Dkenan Dennis, and Gary Price — all previously recaptured — in returning to secure custody.
But the investigation doesn’t stop at the inmates themselves. Police have also arrested individuals believed to have helped orchestrate or facilitate the escape from the outside. Casey Smith and Cortnie Harris were both charged in connection with assisting the fugitives. Another suspect, 59-year-old Connie Weeden, is accused of providing financial support by sending funds through a cellphone app to one of the escapees, leading to a felony charge of accessory after the fact.
The manhunt is still active for several of the escaped inmates. Authorities are urging the public to remain vigilant and to avoid contact with the fugitives, who are considered armed and dangerous. Residents are encouraged to report any suspicious activity to local law enforcement immediately as the effort to bring all involved to justice continues.
This developing story has gripped the New Orleans community, with police reinforcing their commitment to tracking down every escapee and holding accountable anyone who aided in what has become one of the most extensive jailbreak investigations in recent Louisiana history.
