Fifth suspected New Orleans accomplice arrested for allegedly aiding inmates in jailbreak

A fifth civilian was taken into custody on Thursday for reportedly assisting two out of the 10 inmates who escaped from the Orleans Justice Center on May 16. Casey Smith, aged 30, is accused of aiding the fugitives by transporting them to various locations following the jailbreak. The New Orleans Police Department stated that Smith confessed to assisting the escapees together with Cortnie Harris, who was arrested earlier in the week. Smith’s involvement with the escapees was uncovered during an investigation by the NOPD’s Special Operations Division Tactical II team, which found evidence linking her to the fugitives. She allegedly helped transport at least two of the escapees to different places shortly after they broke out. Smith was located at a residence in the city’s Third District and was taken in for questioning. During the interrogation, she admitted to aiding in the transportation of the escapees with Harris. Smith has been charged with accessory after the fact to simple escape. Law enforcement authorities are urging anyone with information relevant to the ongoing investigation to come forward. Tips can be provided anonymously by contacting Crimestoppers of Greater New Orleans at 504-822-1111.