New Orleans Mayor LaToya Cantrell became the first Black woman to ever serve in the position back in 2017. Now, she’s back making history, but not in the way anyone could’ve predicted. According to reports, Cantrell just became the first city mayor to be hit with federal charges, and the case against her just keeps deepening.
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U.S. Attorney Michael M. Simpson announced Cantrell has officially been indicted on fraud and obstruction of justice charges on Friday (Aug. 15). But in a shocking turn of events, Cantrell’s bodyguard, Jeffrey Paul Vappie II, has also been caught up in the federal case. According to the U.S. Attorney’s office, the two engaged in an “intimate” relationship but attempted to hide it for at least three consecutive years.
Cantrell was reelected as New Orleans mayor in 2021. After that, the indictment alleged she “embarked on a scheme to defraud the City of New Orleans” by exploiting her title as mayor and Vappie’s job as bodyguard and former New Orleans Police Department officer for their own personal benefit.
The indictment claimed Vappie and Cantrell “coordinated to spend time together” all while Vappie was supposed to be on the clock. They allegedly arranged “14 domestic and international trips to maximize their time together” and were more than “aware their conduct broke criminal laws.” Trips for Vappie and Cantrell together totaled $70,000, according to the filing.
The investigation into this matter began in 2023. And to make matters even worse, the pair is being accused of lying about the nature of their relationship during the beginning of the investigation — hence the criminal charges now against them. In fact, Vappie has already been accused of making false statements in addition to wire fraud, AP News reported.
The mayor now faces six counts of wire fraud and two counts of making a false declaration before a grand jury.
In response to the indictment, New Orleans City Council President JP Morrell said, “Our office is aware of the indictment that was filed today against Mayor LaToya Cantrell.” He continued, “This is a sad day for the people of New Orleans. Our thoughts and prayers are with the Cantrell family as they navigate through this difficult time.”
If convicted, Cantrell faces anywhere from five to 20 years behind bars for each of her charges, according to Axios. The mayor is set to leave office after her second term is complete in Jan. 2026. It’s unlikely that she will face trial before then.
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