Louisiana Grandmother Arrested for Aiding Grandson in Daring New Orleans Jailbreak

A 59-year-old Louisiana woman has been arrested for allegedly assisting her grandson, one of the fugitives involved in the recent mass escape from the Orleans Justice Center in New Orleans. Connie Weeden of Slidell faces a felony charge of accessory after the fact for her role in aiding 27-year-old Jermaine Donald, who remains at large following the audacious jailbreak on May 16.

Details of the Escape

The escape involved ten inmates who breached a hole behind a toilet in their cell, exploiting a structural vulnerability. The inmates removed the toilet and sink unit, cut through horizontal bars behind the fixture, and exited through the hole. They then fled through a loading dock, scaled a wall, and ran across Interstate 10. The escape went unnoticed until a routine headcount at 8:30 a.m., approximately seven hours later.

Weeden’s Alleged Involvement

According to Louisiana State Police, Weeden maintained phone contact with Donald both before and after the escape. Investigators determined that she provided him with cash via a mobile app to assist him while he was on the run. Weeden was arrested on May 22 and booked into the St. Tammany Parish Correctional Center.

Ongoing Manhunt and Investigation

As of May 27, five of the ten escapees have been recaptured, while Donald and four others remain at large. Authorities have arrested multiple individuals accused of assisting the fugitives, including a jail maintenance worker and several acquaintances. The Orleans Parish Sheriff’s Office continues to investigate the escape and has suspended three employees pending the outcome.

Law enforcement officials urge anyone with information about the remaining fugitives to contact the Louisiana State Police or Crime Stoppers. They emphasize that aiding a fugitive is a serious offense that endangers public safety and will be prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law.