New Orleans Mayor LaToya Cantrell, Bodyguard Indicted on Federal Fraud and Corruption Charges
New Orleans Mayor LaToya Cantrell, Bodyguard Indicted on Federal Fraud and Corruption Charges
New Orleans Mayor LaToya Cantrell and her former bodyguard, Jeffrey Vappie, are facing federal fraud and corruption charges stemming from allegations they misused public funds to facilitate a personal relationship. Prosecutors announced the charges on Friday, accusing the pair of a “years-long fraud scheme” that exploited their positions for personal gain.
According to federal prosecutors, Cantrell and Vappie, who was part of her protection detail from October 2021 until his retirement in June 2024, allegedly engaged in “personal activities” while Vappie was supposedly on duty. This included claiming Vappie was working during 14 domestic and international trips, and treating a city-owned apartment as their shared residence while Vappie was paid for protection work.
The indictment further claims the duo used the secure messaging platform WhatsApp with auto-delete functions to conceal their relationship and alleged illicit activities. They are also accused of taking personal trips, such as a wine-tasting excursion to California, at a cost of approximately $70,000, all while Vappie was on duty.
Beyond the financial impropriety, the charges include allegations of intimidating subordinates, lying to FBI agents, and committing perjury before a grand jury. US attorney Michael Simpson emphasized that while the relationship itself isn’t a crime, the alleged actions constitute a scheme to defraud the public by misusing power and authority.
If convicted, Cantrell and Vappie could face multi-year prison sentences and fines up to $250,000. LaToya Cantrell, the first female mayor of New Orleans, has served since 2018 and is slated to leave office in January.
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