New Orleans Mayor LaToya Cantrell Indicted on Federal Corruption Charges
New Orleans Mayor LaToya Cantrell Indicted on Federal Corruption Charges
New Orleans Mayor LaToya Cantrell has been indicted on federal charges of defrauding the city. Prosecutors allege the mayor concealed a romantic relationship with a police officer, Jeffrey Paul Vappie II, while using public funds for their personal benefit.
The indictment, filed Friday in the U.S. District Court in the Eastern District of Louisiana, charges Cantrell with conspiracy to commit wire fraud, conspiracy to obstruct justice, making false statements, and false declaration before a grand jury. Vappie, who served on the New Orleans Police Department’s executive protection unit from May 2021 to April 2024, was already facing similar charges and has pleaded not guilty. He retired in June 2024.
Prosecutors claim Cantrell and Vappie exploited their public positions from May 2021 to June 2024, engaging in personal activities while Vappie was on duty and paid. They allegedly exchanged over 15,000 messages on WhatsApp, using the platform to coordinate their scheme, intimidate subordinates, harass a citizen, delete evidence, and commit perjury. Vappie reportedly accompanied Cantrell on 14 domestic and international trips, costing New Orleans approximately $70,000 in fraudulent expenses, including an extended stay in Napa Valley during a San Francisco work trip.
New Orleans City Council President JP Morrell expressed sadness, stating, “This is a sad day for the people of New Orleans.” Cantrell, a Democrat, is the city’s first female mayor and is currently in her last term, set to leave office in January.
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