In the aftermath of a significant jailbreak from the Orleans Parish Justice Center in New Orleans, authorities have arrested 59-year-old Connie Weeden of Slidell, Louisiana, for allegedly aiding her grandson, escapee Jermaine Donald. Weeden faces a felony charge of accessory after the fact after investigators discovered she had communicated with Donald via phone and provided him with money through a mobile app following his escape. 

On May 16, 2025, ten inmates escaped from the Orleans Parish Justice Center by exploiting a hole behind a toilet in their cell. The escape went unnoticed for several hours, raising concerns about the facility's security protocols. 

According to the Louisiana State Police, Weeden maintained contact with Donald before and after the escape and sent him money using a mobile application. She was arrested on May 22, 2025, and booked into the St. Tammany Parish Correctional Center. 

Under Louisiana law, a conviction for accessory after the fact can result in a fine of up to $500, imprisonment for up to five years, or both. 

New York Post

Weeden is the third civilian arrested in connection with the jailbreak. Previously, Cortnie Harris and Corvanntay Baptiste were taken into custody for allegedly assisting other escapees. 

As of May 27, 2025, eight of the ten escapees have been recaptured. The remaining two, Antoine Massey and Derrick Groves, are still at large and considered dangerous.