News Summary
Mayor LaToya Cantrell of New Orleans has been indicted on federal charges involving conspiracy, fraud, and obstruction of justice related to her alleged romantic relationship with her bodyguard. The indictment includes 18 counts against both Cantrell and Jeffrey Vappie. The allegations involve misappropriation of funds, unauthorized travel expenses, and misuse of encrypted communications. These charges represent a significant challenge for Cantrell, who has faced various controversies during her tenure as the first female mayor of New Orleans.
New Orleans – Mayor LaToya Cantrell of New Orleans has been indicted on federal charges stemming from an alleged scheme to conceal a romantic relationship with her bodyguard, Jeffrey Vappie. The indictment, returned by a grand jury on Friday, includes 18 counts against both Cantrell and Vappie, encompassing charges of conspiracy, fraud, and obstruction of justice.
Cantrell and Vappie are accused of using over 15,000 encrypted messages on WhatsApp to communicate regarding personal matters, which they attempted to erase. The relationship, which prosecutors describe as “personal and intimate,” was officially presented as professional. Financial records reveal that Cantrell arranged for Vappie to accompany her on 14 trips, costing New Orleans taxpayers more than $70,000 in travel expenses.
This significant legal predicament arrives less than five months before Cantrell is set to leave office due to term limits. If found guilty, both Cantrell and Vappie could face several years in prison and heavy fines for each count against them. This indictment marks the first time in New Orleans’ 300-year history that a sitting mayor has been charged while in office.
Details within the indictment reveal that specific trips taken by Cantrell and Vappie include a September 2022 getaway on Martha’s Vineyard, which coincided with a conference she chose not to attend. The indictment also accuses Cantrell of misleading investigators regarding the timing of when she activated a feature on her phone that automatically deletes messages, suggesting she did so later than she stated. Additionally, Cantrell sought a restraining order against a citizen who captured images of her with Vappie at a restaurant.
Following his retirement from the New Orleans Police Department in 2024, Vappie became a focal point of the allegations. Acting U.S. Attorney Michael Simpson highlighted the importance of this indictment, marking it as a critical action against public corruption, a persistent issue in Louisiana. Simpson, responding to claims of racial and gender bias surrounding the investigation, rejected such notions, asserting that the proceedings are focused solely on the officials’ misconduct.
LaToya Cantrell made history as New Orleans’ first female mayor, onto her election in 2018. However, her administration has encountered numerous ethical challenges and controversies, which have overshadowed her early accomplishments in office. Notably, she faced a recall effort in 2022 and has encountered scrutiny from City Council members regarding her administration’s handling of city affairs. Cantrell’s husband, attorney Jason Cantrell, passed away in 2023, further complicating the tumult of her time in office.
City Council President JP Morrell characterized the indictment as a “sad day for the people of New Orleans,” emphasizing the impact of these events on the city and its leadership. The indictment’s details have captured significant public interest as the case strengthens concerns regarding ethical standards among public officials in Louisiana.
As the legal proceedings move forward, the unfolding situation surrounding Mayor Cantrell and Vappie will likely continue to dominate local headlines. The outcome of this case could have substantial ramifications not only for Cantrell’s legacy but for the broader perception of governance in New Orleans.
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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.
