New Orleans Mayor LaToya Cantrell has been indicted by a federal grand jury on 18 charges, including conspiracy to obstruct justice, wire fraud, and false declaration before a grand jury. The indictment is connected to her alleged affair with her former bodyguard, Jeffrey Vappie, and the misuse of city resources to cover up the relationship.
Charges Against Cantrell and Vappie:
– Cantrell’s Charges:
– 18 counts, including conspiracy, wire fraud, and false statements
– Alleged misuse of city resources, including $70,000 in city funds for trips with Vappie
– Accused of lying about her relationship with Vappie
– Vappie’s Charges:
– Wire fraud and false statement counts
– Alleged use of his romantic relationship with Cantrell to defraud the police department.
The FBI investigation found 15,000 WhatsApp messages between Cantrell and Vappie, which were used as evidence in the indictment. The messages allegedly show that Cantrell and Vappie took city-funded work trips together, including to Washington D.C., Napa Valley, San Francisco, Scotland, and the United Arab Emirates, which may have been used to cover up their vacations.
Cantrell, the first female mayor of New Orleans, is term-limited and set to leave office in January. The indictment has sparked a strong reaction in the city, with some calling for her resignation and others urging caution until the legal process unfolds. Cantrell’s lawyer has confirmed the indictment, but she has not yet publicly responded to the charges. The case is expected to proceed to trial, where Cantrell’s guilt or innocence will be determined.
