News Summary
LaToya Cantrell, the mayor of New Orleans, has been indicted on federal charges, marking a historic moment as the first sitting mayor to face such allegations. The indictment lists 11 felony counts, including conspiracy, wire fraud, and obstruction of justice. It follows an investigation that has connected her to former NOPD officer Jeffrey Vappie, with whom she allegedly misused city funds while also concealing a personal relationship. This significant event highlights ongoing corruption issues in New Orleans politics, with several public officials facing similar accusations over the years.
New Orleans – LaToya Cantrell, the current mayor of New Orleans, has been indicted on federal charges, making her the first sitting mayor in the city’s history to face such serious allegations. The indictment, which was announced on August 15, 2025, includes a total of 11 felony counts, comprising conspiracy, wire fraud, obstruction of justice, and false statements. This marks a significant event in New Orleans politics, where corruption has become a persistent issue over the years.
The indictment is the culmination of an extensive investigation that has also implicated Jeffrey Vappie, a former New Orleans Police Department (NOPD) officer who was assigned to Cantrell’s executive protection detail. According to court documents, prosecutors allege that Cantrell and Vappie engaged in a scheme that misused city funds for personal gain while concealing their romantic relationship. Specifically, it is reported that the pair exchanged over 15,000 encrypted messages via WhatsApp and organized at least 14 trips, both domestic and international, ostensibly funded by the city.
Furthermore, evidence suggests that the city spent upwards of $70,000 on Vappie’s travel during these trips, during which he maintained that he was on duty. The indictment also alleges that Cantrell pressured police leadership to stop an internal investigation into Vappie and failed to comply with a grand jury subpoena by hiding records pertinent to the case.
The recent indictment echoes a troubling pattern of corruption among public officials in New Orleans. Since the year 2000, at least 27 representatives within the Metro New Orleans area have faced charges or been indicted by the Department of Justice for various crimes related to corruption. This trend includes notable figures like former mayor Ray Nagin, who was convicted on charges of bribery and conspiracy after his tenure in 2013, as well as several council members who have admitted guilt to crimes involving bribery and theft.
As the investigation surrounding Cantrell continues, her legal issues are compounded by other controversies, including previous allegations regarding the misuse of a city-owned apartment. Cantrell’s administration recognized the indictment but refrained from providing additional comments until her legal counsel has completed an appropriate review of the case.
If found guilty of the charges against her, Cantrell could face severe repercussions, including a suspension without pay, and the potential for the City Council to declare her seat vacant. This situation has generated a mix of reactions within the New Orleans community, ranging from outrage concerning the alleged misconduct to skepticism regarding the seriousness of the charges, particularly relating to her personal relationship with Vappie.
Throughout her tenure as mayor, Cantrell has faced increasing scrutiny, asserting that the investigations and accusations directed at her are without merit and indicative of a broader pattern of opposition since her election in 2017. Currently, both she and Vappie have pleaded not guilty, and the investigation remains ongoing.
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Additional Resources
- Fox 8 Live
- Wikipedia: LaToya Cantrell
- CBS News
- Google Search: LaToya Cantrell indictment
- WDSU
- Google Scholar: LaToya Cantrell corruption
- NOLA.com
- Encyclopedia Britannica: New Orleans politics
- ABC News
- Google News: New Orleans mayor indictment
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.
