News Summary
New Orleans Mayor LaToya Cantrell has been indicted by a federal grand jury on several charges including conspiracy and fraud, following an investigation into her personal relationship with her bodyguard. The indictment details a three-year scheme where Cantrell allegedly misused city resources for personal benefit. As her time in office nears an end, questions regarding her legacy and accountability loom as her administration faces increasing scrutiny and silence in the wake of the scandal.
New Orleans – Mayor LaToya Cantrell has been indicted by a federal grand jury on multiple charges, including conspiracy, fraud, and obstruction, following a lengthy investigation into her conduct in connection with her personal relationship with her bodyguard, Jeffrey Vappie. The indictment marks a significant development in a scandal that has plagued the mayor, who has made history as the first female mayor in New Orleans’ 300-year existence.
The federal investigation unveiled details of an alleged scheme where Cantrell and Vappie exploited their positions to benefit personally. From 2021, they reportedly formed a personal and intimate relationship. Prosecutors allege they engaged in a “three-year fraud scheme” that involved manipulating city resources for their benefit. The indictment claims that Cantrell arranged for Vappie to accompany her on 14 official trips, under the guise of city business, where they instead used these opportunities to further their personal relationship.
Vappie, who has pleaded not guilty to charges of wire fraud and making false statements, is accused of submitting false payroll records while on duty, falsely claiming he was working when he was actually spending time with Cantrell. The allegations suggest that the pair communicated using encrypted messages to avoid detection, and they allegedly deleted these conversations. Additionally, the indictment indicates that Cantrell misled investigators in an affidavit regarding her phone settings related to these messages, a feature she only activated in December 2022, well after media inquiries began regarding her relationship with Vappie.
Cantrell has also faced scrutiny for taking legal measures against an individual who photographed her and Vappie while dining together, filing a police report, and seeking a restraining order against the person. As calls for accountability grow, her administration has remained largely silent in the wake of the indictment, with the mayor’s office failing to respond to requests for comment.
As Cantrell’s time in office is nearing its end due to term limits, her second term has been marked by significant challenges, including ongoing conflicts with the City Council and a previous recall effort. City Council President JP Morrell’s spokesperson expressed sadness over the situation while offering thoughts and prayers for Cantrell’s family during this difficult time. The fallout from the indictment raises questions about the mayor’s legacy as her civic profile has diminished, particularly evidenced by her lack of activity on her official X account since mid-July.
Throughout her tenure, Cantrell has voiced concerns about being unfairly targeted, emphasizing that she feels judged under different standards than her male counterparts. She has previously discussed the struggles she faced as a Black woman in a position of power, highlighting the disrespect and challenges she had to navigate during her administration.
The indictment of Mayor Cantrell reflects a broader narrative about accountability and transparency in public office, underscoring the importance of ethical conduct for elected officials. As the investigation continues, many citizens and political observers in New Orleans will be watching closely to see how these developments unfold and their implications for local governance.
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New Orleans Mayor LaToya Cantrell Indicted on Federal Charges
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Author: STAFF HERE NEWORLEANS WRITER
NEW ORLEANS STAFF WRITER The NEW ORLEANS STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HERENewOrleans.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in New Orleans, Orleans Parish, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as French Quarter Festival, New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival, and Essence Music Festival. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the New Orleans Chamber of Commerce and Greater New Orleans, Inc., plus leading businesses in energy, healthcare, and education that power the local economy such as Entergy, Ochsner Health, and Tulane University. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREShreveport.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Louisiana's dynamic landscape.
