Democrat New Orleans Mayor LaToya Cantrell was indicted Friday on multiple federal charges, marking the first time in the city’s history that a sitting mayor faces criminal prosecution, according to Fox 8 WVUE.
Federal Indictment Filed in Louisiana
A federal grand jury in the Eastern District of Louisiana indicted Cantrell and former New Orleans police officer Jeffrey Vappie following an FBI investigation.
Cantrell is charged with conspiracy to commit wire fraud, conspiracy to obstruct justice, making false statements, and false declaration before a grand jury, according to the indictment.
Long-Running FBI Scrutiny
The indictment follows years of controversy surrounding the mayor, including an alleged affair with her former executive security officer, Vappie, and accusations of misuse of taxpayer funds.
The FBI investigated Cantrell’s time spent with Vappie in a city-owned apartment and on trips funded by taxpayers. Security footage reportedly captured the pair together for long stretches during work hours, fueling speculation about the nature of their relationship.
Vappie was also accused of timesheet discrepancies, including logging 18 hours of work in a single day and spending “numerous hours” with the mayor beyond scheduled duty hours.
Pattern of Scandals and Misconduct
The mayor has faced mounting criticism over:
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A legal fight with a New Orleans resident who photographed her alleged relationship.
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A broken funding promise to New Orleans Public Schools.
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The indictment of a former city inspector accused of bribing her with Saints tickets.
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Lavish first-class international flights costing taxpayers more than $30,000, which Cantrell defended by citing her safety as a black woman and COVID precautions.
Divorce Filings Alleged Affair
The allegations of an affair were reinforced by divorce filings from Vappie’s wife, Danielle, who claimed her husband’s relationship with Cantrell dated back to May 2021, when he first joined her security detail.
Historic Indictment
The charges against Cantrell make her the first sitting New Orleans mayor to face federal prosecution — adding another chapter to the city’s troubled political history.
