News Summary
Mayor LaToya Cantrell of New Orleans has been indicted by a federal grand jury, marking the first time a sitting mayor has faced federal charges while in office. Facing multiple counts including conspiracy and wire fraud related to misuse of city funds in a scheme involving her former executive protection officer, Cantrell could face significant prison time if convicted. The indictment follows earlier investigations into her spending practices, adding to a history of controversy during her administration.
New Orleans – Mayor LaToya Cantrell of New Orleans has been indicted by a federal grand jury, making her the first sitting mayor in the city’s history to face federal charges while in office. The indictment was filed in the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Louisiana.
Cantrell faces multiple charges including conspiracy to commit wire fraud, wire fraud, conspiracy to obstruct justice, obstruction of justice, and making false statements. The indictment is in connection with her former executive protection officer, Jeffrey Paul Vappie, with whom she reportedly had a secret personal relationship beginning in October 2021.
According to the court documents, both Cantrell and Vappie are accused of engaging in a fraudulent scheme that misused city funds for personal purposes, which involved taking at least 14 trips—domestic and international—while falsely claiming they were on official business. This misuse is estimated to have cost the city over $70,000.
The prosecution alleges that the two exchanged over 15,000 messages on the messaging platform WhatsApp over an eight-month period, using this medium to intimidate staff, delete incriminating evidence, and mislead federal investigators. Reports suggest that Cantrell applied pressure on former Interim Police Superintendent Michelle Woodfork to stop an internal investigation concerning Vappie’s activities.
Vappie’s claims included being on duty during trips where he accompanied Cantrell, which spanned various locations, including San Francisco and Scotland. Additional allegations mention attempts to conceal evidence from a grand jury subpoena, providing false declarations, and harassment against citizens who documented their encounters together.
Previously, Cantrell has denied any wrongdoing in this case and described the attention on her administration as “disrespectful.” The news of her indictment has elicited varied responses, including expressions of sympathy from City Council President JP Morrell, who noted that this is a troubling time for the residents of New Orleans.
If found guilty, both Cantrell and Vappie could face significant prison sentences ranging from five to 20 years, in addition to potential fines.
Background and Context
LaToya Cantrell has been serving as the mayor of New Orleans since her election in November 2017 and was re-elected in 2021. Her current term is scheduled to end in January 2026. The recent indictment follows an earlier indictment related to the same matter that was filed in July 2024, which has now been superseded.
Cantrell’s term has been marred by various controversies, including accusations of failing to deliver on a multi-million dollar funding commitment to New Orleans Public Schools and the indictment of a city inspector for bribery. The political climate surrounding Cantrell’s administration has been further complicated by her husband, Jason Cantrell’s death in August 2023, which adds personal stress amid her ongoing legal challenges.
Investigations into Cantrell initially stemmed from allegations regarding her spending practices and campaign financing, which included accusations of misusing public funds for services related to personal image consulting. In contrast, former New Orleans Mayor Ray Nagin—who was sentenced to prison in 2014 for federal crimes—was never indicted while in office, highlighting the unprecedented nature of Cantrell’s situation.
The Office of the Mayor has acknowledged the indictment but has chosen not to comment further at this time, pending a review with Cantrell’s attorney, Eddie Castaing.
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Additional Resources
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- Wikipedia: LaToya Cantrell
- WWLTV
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- NBC News
- Google Scholar: LaToya Cantrell
- CNN
- Encyclopedia Britannica: LaToya Cantrell
- The Guardian
- 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.
