Federal prosecutors have unsealed an indictment against New Orleans Mayor LaToya Cantrell, charging her with conspiracy, wire fraud, and obstruction of justice over allegations of an intimate relationship with a taxpayer-funded security guard and embezzling city funds. The indictment, unsealed in the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Louisiana, accuses Cantrell, 53, of covertly engaging in a personal relationship with former New Orleans Police Department Officer Jeffrey Vappie, leading to fraudulent travel expenses for the city.
According to the indictment, the pair engaged in a relationship starting in October 2021 while Vappie worked as a security detail for the mayor. Prosecutors allege that over 14 trips, Vappie falsely claimed to be working on the mayor’s Executive Protection Unit while engaging in personal activities, costing the city over $70,000. Cantrell allegedly attempted to cover up their relationship by deleting messages and lying under oath to a federal grand jury, withholding over 50 photos from her personal devices.
The indictment also details personal messages exchanged through WhatsApp, including a June 2022 photo Cantrell sent to Vappie of a ring on her finger, hinting at their relationship. The court filings suggest a broader scheme to conceal their personal bond while billing the city for on-duty hours. Vappie’s wife also filed for divorce, citing the alleged affair in court documents.
Cantrell’s legal challenges come amid ongoing controversies, including a recent public dispute over a French Quarter trash contract, where she terminated a widely praised sanitation company in favor of a personally-connected firm. City officials and the Louisiana Attorney General have criticized this decision as an abuse of emergency powers.
If found guilty, Cantrell could face up to five years for conspiracy to commit wire fraud, up to 20 years per count for wire fraud, and up to 20 years for conspiracy to obstruct justice. The indictment also names Vappie as a co-defendant, with potential sentencing including fines of up to $250,000 per count and up to three years of supervised release.
City Councilman JP Morrell’s spokesperson expressed sadness over the indictment, calling it a “sad day for the people of New Orleans.” Councilman Joe Giarrusso emphasized the presumption of innocence, warning against sensationalizing the case and impeding the city’s operations. The indictment could significantly alter the city’s political landscape ahead of the October 2025 mayoral race, with City Councilwoman Helena Moreno widely considered the frontrunner.
Cantrell’s tenure, which began in 2017, has already been marked by public controversy, most recently over the French Quarter trash dispute. Her indictment could have major implications for her political future and the city’s governance as it waits for the outcome of the federal case.
In an unrelated 2022 incident, Cantrell made headlines when she intervened in a physical altercation at a music concert, showcasing her role as a public figure. Despite her efforts in the spotlight, political challenges and legal scrutiny have emerged as prominent aspects of her career.