New Orleans Mayor LaToya Cantrell Indicted on Federal Corruption Charges

New Orleans Mayor LaToya Cantrell has been indicted on federal charges including conspiracy, fraud, and obstruction, stemming from allegations that she concealed a romantic relationship with her bodyguard, Jeffrey Vappie. The indictment, returned by a grand jury on Friday, accuses Cantrell and Vappie of a years-long scheme where Vappie was paid for hours he allegedly did not work, including during private meetings and trips.

Prosecutors assert that the mayor and her bodyguard used encrypted messaging services like WhatsApp to evade detection and deleted conversations. The indictment describes their relationship as “personal and intimate,” contradicting their public statements. According to officials, taxpayers reportedly covered over $70,000 for Vappie’s travel expenses related to these alleged non-work-related activities.

Cantrell, the first female mayor in New Orleans’ 300-year history, is now the city’s first mayor to be charged while in office, just months before her term concludes due to limits. U.S. Attorney Michael Simpson emphasized the significance of the charges, stating, “Public corruption has crippled us for years and years.” Vappie, who retired from the police department in 2024, had already faced charges of wire fraud and making false statements, to which he has pleaded not guilty.

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