News Summary
Mayor LaToya Cantrell of New Orleans faces federal charges including conspiracy, wire fraud, and obstruction of justice. She and former police officer Jeffrey Vappie are alleged to have exploited their positions to defraud the city, with expenses totaling over $70,000. The indictment highlights their deceptive communications and personal relationship, occurring during official duties. Cantrell is the first sitting mayor in New Orleans to receive such charges, raising questions about public trust in city governance as she approaches her term’s end in January 2026.
New Orleans – Mayor LaToya Cantrell has been indicted by a grand jury on several federal charges, including conspiracy, wire fraud, and obstruction of justice. The indictment also alleges that she made false statements and provided a false declaration before the grand jury during the investigation into her conduct with a former police officer.
The former New Orleans Police Department officer, Jeffrey Vappie, is implicated in the indictment alongside Cantrell, facing new allegations related to the case. The indictment details a personal relationship that reportedly developed between Cantrell and Vappie in October 2021. They are accused of exploiting their positions to engage in a scheme to defraud the City of New Orleans, participating in personal activities while Vappie was supposedly on duty as Cantrell’s security detail.
Financial disclosures indicate that Vappie’s travel costs while accompanying Cantrell totaled over $70,000, which were distinct from her own travel expenses. They are accused of using encrypted messaging platforms, specifically WhatsApp, to conceal the details of their relationship. Evidence reveals that the pair exchanged over 15,000 messages and deleted significant content related to their interactions.
The grand jury investigation initiated in 2023 unveiled that both Cantrell and Vappie allegedly lied about gifts they shared, and they face accusations of misleading federal law enforcement agents and testifying falsely under oath. From 2021 to 2024, Vappie reportedly made 14 trips with Cantrell during which personal activities occurred, all while he was off the clock. These excursions resulted in substantial expenses for the city, including charges for meals, lodging, and Vappie’s salary.
One notable instance cited in the indictment involved a meeting in September 2022 on Martha’s Vineyard, characterized by their personal activities, apart from official duties. It is alleged that Cantrell referred to their time together as “what spoils me the most.”
The indictment against Cantrell makes her the first sitting mayor in New Orleans’ history to face federal charges. As she serves her final year in office, she is scheduled to leave her position in January 2026 due to term limits. If convicted, Cantrell could face suspension without pay and possible fines, although she retains the right to appeal any convictions.
Vappie had already been indicted separately on seven counts of wire fraud and one count of making false statements prior to Cantrell being included in the indictment. This ongoing case has raised serious concerns regarding public corruption in New Orleans, as outlined by Acting U.S. Attorney Michael Simpson, emphasizing the implications of government officials abusing their authority.
Despite the gravity of the charges against Cantrell, she has received vocal support from several city council members. The mayor has faced increased scrutiny over various issues, including previous allegations regarding her use of a city-owned apartment and other investigations affecting her administration’s reputation.
This indictment underscores a significant turning point in the governance of New Orleans and may have lasting repercussions on public trust and the integrity of city leadership.
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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.
