News Summary
New Orleans Mayor LaToya Cantrell has been indicted by a grand jury on federal charges, marking the first time a sitting mayor faces federal prosecution in the city’s history. The charges include conspiracy to commit wire fraud and obstruction of justice. The indictment alleges that Cantrell, along with her bodyguard, misappropriated taxpayer funds for personal use and attempted to mislead federal investigators. As the city gears up for a mayoral election, this indictment raises serious questions about public trust and governance.
New Orleans — Mayor LaToya Cantrell of New Orleans was indicted on federal charges by a grand jury on August 15, 2025. The indictment marks a historic event as it is the first time a sitting mayor has faced federal charges in the city’s history. The serious allegations include conspiracy to commit wire fraud, conspiracy to obstruct justice, making false statements, and false declaration before a grand jury.
The indictment outlines that both Cantrell and her bodyguard, Jeffrey Vappie — a former New Orleans police officer — misappropriated taxpayer funds for personal use while concealing a romantic relationship. The investigation revealed that the two exchanged over 15,000 messages, photos, and audio clips via WhatsApp, allegedly to evade detection regarding their affairs.
According to the charges, while Vappie was supposedly on duty with the New Orleans Police Department, he and Cantrell arranged at least 14 trips both domestically and internationally, accruing travel expenses that reportedly exceeded $70,000 to be covered by New Orleans taxpayers. The indictment further alleges that both individuals attempted to intimidate subordinates, harass a citizen who photographed them, and mislead federal investigators.
In addition to these actions, Cantrell allegedly pressured interim NOPD Superintendent Michelle Woodfork to discontinue an internal investigation into Vappie, contributing to Woodfork’s lack of consideration for a permanent position. Cantrell is also accused of holding back more than 50 records from a grand jury subpoena and falsely asserting that she had activated WhatsApp’s disappearing messages feature before actually doing so.
Prior to Cantrell’s indictment, Vappie was already facing charges of wire fraud and making false statements. The federal investigation into these matters has drawn attention to a larger concern regarding public trust and long-standing corruption in New Orleans’ governance. The acting U.S. Attorney noted that this indictment represents a significant breach of public trust.
Cantrell, who is currently serving her final term as mayor and is set to leave office in January 2026, has denied any wrongdoing. She has stated that the scrutiny she faces is disrespectful and insulting. The fallout from her indictment comes as the city approaches a crucial mayoral election in less than two months, leading to concerns about how this situation will affect local government operations.
Political figures and candidates seeking to replace Cantrell have highlighted the urgent need for competent governance in New Orleans, advocating for a fresh direction for the city in light of these troubling allegations. Among those addressing the situation is Louisiana State Attorney General, who emphasized the call for honest leadership in the city.
This indictment occurs amidst more than two years of heightened criticism over Cantrell’s controversial actions while in office. As New Orleans navigates this complex landscape, the implications of these charges on the city’s political climate and its immediate future remain to be seen.
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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.
