Woman Accused Of Helping Escaped Inmates Appears In Court

ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. (AP) — A woman accused of helping two New Mexico convicts who sparked a manhunt after escaping from a prison transport van made her first court appearance. 45-year-old Celeste Salcido went before a judge Saturday. Salcido, of Albuquerque, has been charged with harboring or aiding a felon and assisting escape. Authorities say she is the partner of Olivia Cruz, the sister of convicted murderer Joseph Cruz. He and fellow convict Lionel Clah escaped March 9. The judge ordered Salcido held on $10,000 bond. It was not known if she had an attorney. Salcido, Olivia Cruz and two other women are facing charges for allegedly helping the convicts.