On May 22, 2025, the NOPD arrested Casey Smith (black female, DOB: 11-19-1994) for allegedly assisting two of the 10 inmates who escaped from the Orleans Justice Center on May 16, 2025.

Through investigation, members of the NOPD’s Special Operations Division Tactical II team obtained information linking Smith to allegedly aiding at least two of the reported escapees as they were transported to multiple locations in the hours following their escape.

On May 22, officers located Smith at a residence in the Third District. Upon further questioning, Smith admitted to her role in aiding the escapees’ transport along with Cortnie Harris (black female, DOB: 04-25-1993), who was arrested on May 21.

Smith was arrested and booked for accessory after the fact to simple escape.

All persons are presumed innocent until proven guilty.

Anyone with additional information that can assist in this ongoing multi-agency investigation is urged to contact law enforcement immediately. Those wishing to report information anonymously can do so by calling Crimestoppers of Greater New Orleans at 504-822-1111 or toll-free at 1-877-903-STOP.

Have a question or correction? Please email NOPD’s Public Affairs Division at nopdpio@nola.gov.