The mayor of New Orleans, LaToya Cantrell, along with her bodyguard, Jeffrey Vappie, has been charged with serious allegations of fraud and corruption. These charges stem from claims that they misappropriated public funds to support an alleged romantic relationship. Prosecutors revealed on Friday that their relationship began in October 2021, while Vappie was part of Cantrell's security detail.
According to the prosecution, from October 2021 until Vappie's retirement in June 2024, the duo allegedly falsely claimed that Vappie was on duty during numerous personal activities. This includes 14 separate trips, both domestic and international, which prosecutors argue were not for official purposes. As of now, neither Cantrell nor Vappie has issued a public statement regarding these allegations.
The City of New Orleans has confirmed that it is aware of the charges, noting that the mayor's attorney is currently reviewing the situation. Prosecutors have indicated that Cantrell and Vappie utilized the secure messaging platform WhatsApp, taking advantage of its auto-delete feature to exchange thousands of messages aimed at concealing their relationship and the alleged fraudulent activities.
As the investigation unfolds, prosecutors assert that Cantrell and Vappie treated a city-owned apartment as their personal residence. They allegedly spent time together in this apartment while Vappie was supposedly on duty and receiving payment for his protective services. Additionally, they reportedly took personal trips, including a visit to a vineyard in California for a wine tasting, all while Vappie was on duty. The total cost for these personal excursions is estimated at around $70,000.
In the past, when questioned about these trips, Cantrell claimed she required a bodyguard for safety reasons related to the Covid pandemic. However, prosecutors have challenged this defense, pointing out instances where she traveled alone.
US Attorney Michael Simpson stated that while their relationship itself does not constitute a crime, it is indicative of a broader fraud scheme that misused public funds for personal gain by exploiting their positions of power. Furthermore, it has been reported that a member of the public captured photographs of Cantrell and Vappie dining together during a time when Vappie was purportedly on duty. In response, Cantrell filed a police report and sought a restraining order against the individual who took the photos, according to prosecutors.
Moreover, both Cantrell and Vappie face allegations of intimidating subordinates, misleading FBI agents, and committing perjury by providing false statements to a grand jury—a body that decides whether to bring charges in certain cases within the United States. If found guilty of the charges, they could face multi-year prison sentences and fines reaching up to $250,000 (£184,000).
LaToya Cantrell, a member of the Democratic Party, made history as the first female mayor of New Orleans, taking office in 2018. As the city approaches its 300-year anniversary, Cantrell is set to leave her position in January. The outcome of this case could have significant implications not only for her political career but also for the integrity of public office in New Orleans.
