Benjamin Bates Data News Weekly Contributor
In a historic and unexpected turn, Mayor LaToya Cantrell has been indicted by a Federal Grand Jury, marking the first time a Sitting Mayor of New Orleans faces Criminal Charges. The indictment, unsealed in Mid‑August, alleges a scheme to defraud the city of more than $70,000 by exploiting public funds in connection with her personal relationship with her former bodyguard, Jeffrey Paul Vappie II.
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Federal Prosecutors accuse Cantrell and Vappie, who reportedly became romantically involved in October 2021, of orchestrating a series of domestic and international trips under the guise of professional security duties, while Vappie was, in fact, spending personal time with the mayor. Their conduct allegedly included deceptive time sheets, misuse of city property, and wrongful claims of travel reimbursements.
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Central to the allegations are encrypted WhatsApp Communications, more than 15,000 messages, images, and audio clips, exchanged over several months. Investigators say Cantrell and Vappie deleted evidence, lied to federal agents, and misled a grand jury during the ongoing investigation.The charges span multiple counts, including conspiracy to commit wire fraud, obstruction of justice, and false declarations under oath. In total, Cantrell faces up to six counts of wire fraud, one count each of conspiracy and obstruction, and two counts of false declaration before a grand jury. Vappie, too, faces similar charges, including additional wire fraud counts and false statements to the FBI.
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Federal Prosecutors accuse Cantrell and Vappie, who reportedly became romantically involved in October 2021, of orchestrating a series of domestic and international trips under the guise of professional security duties, while Vappie was, in fact, spending personal time with the mayor. Their conduct allegedly included deceptive time sheets, misuse of city property, and wrongful claims of travel reimbursements.
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Central to the allegations are encrypted WhatsApp Communications, more than 15,000 messages, images, and audio clips, exchanged over several months. Investigators say Cantrell and Vappie deleted evidence, lied to federal agents, and misled a grand jury during the ongoing investigation.The charges span multiple counts, including conspiracy to commit wire fraud, obstruction of justice, and false declarations under oath. In total, Cantrell faces up to six counts of wire fraud, one count each of conspiracy and obstruction, and two counts of false declaration before a grand jury. Vappie, too, faces similar charges, including additional wire fraud counts and false statements to the FBI.
While Cantrell has yet to issue a public response, her attorney acknowledged the indictment and said the legal team is reviewing the details. The unfolding legal drama arrives only months before she leaves office, her term ends in January, is already reshaping the political landscape. Candidates for mayor are now under pressure to address issues of ethics and government integrity as New Orleanians grapple with eroded public trust in City Hall.
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