Sign in Subscribe
Mayors

New Orleans Mayor and Former NOPD Officer Indicted for Wire Fraud and Obstruction of Justice

Strategic Insights

— 2 min read

New Orleans Mayor Latoya Cantrell, 53, and former NOPD officer Jeffrey Vappie, 52, were charged in a superseding indictment on federal charges concerning wire fraud and obstruction of justice. The indictment alleges that Cantrell and Vappie conspired to commit wire fraud, obstruct justice, and make false statements to the FBI. The scheme allegedly began in October 2021, when Cantrell and Vappie developed a personal relationship, and continued until Vappie's retirement in June 2024. During this time, Cantrell and Vappie used a secure messaging platform, WhatsApp, to exchange over 15,000 messages, pictures, and audio clips, and collected over $70,000 in travel expenses from the City of New Orleans.

Key Takeaways:

  • Cantrell and Vappie allegedly conspired to commit wire fraud, obstruct justice, and make false statements to the FBI, using a secure messaging platform, WhatsApp, to exchange over 15,000 messages.
  • The scheme allegedly began in October 2021, when Cantrell and Vappie developed a personal relationship, and continued until Vappie's retirement in June 2024.
  • Cantrell and Vappie allegedly used city funds and resources for personal expenses, including travel and accommodations, totaling over $70,000.
  • Vappie was paid as a member of Cantrell's executive protection team, despite being on personal activities, and Cantrell canceled work trips to facilitate personal interactions with Vappie.
  • Cantrell and Vappie allegedly intimidated subordinates, harassed citizens, and lied to colleagues and associates to cover up their scheme.
  • Cantrell allegedly deleted thousands of WhatsApp messages and concealed evidence from the grand jury, while Vappie conducted online searches for attorneys specializing in criminal law and researched WhatsApp's security features.
  • The superseding indictment alleges that both Cantrell and Vappie were aware their conduct broke criminal laws, but continued the scheme until Vappie's retirement.
  • The indictment charges Cantrell with conspiracy to commit wire fraud, obstruction of justice, making false declarations before a grand jury, and making a false statement to the FBI.
  • Vappie is charged with conspiracy to commit wire fraud, twelve counts of wire fraud, making a false statement to the FBI, and conspiracy to obstruct justice.

Statistics:

  • Over 15,000 messages, pictures, and audio clips exchanged between Cantrell and Vappie on WhatsApp.
  • Over $70,000 in travel expenses collected by Cantrell and Vappie from the City of New Orleans.
  • 14 domestic and international trips taken by Cantrell and Vappie to maximize their time together.
  • 12 counts of wire fraud charged against Vappie.
  • 6 counts of wire fraud charged against Cantrell.
  • 1 count of obstruction of justice charged against Cantrell.
  • 2 counts of making false declarations before a grand jury charged against Cantrell.
  • 1 count of making a false statement to the FBI charged against Vappie.

Sources:

  • Acting U.S. Attorney Michael M. Simpson
  • LATOYA CANTRELL ("CANTRELL"), age 53
  • JEFFREY PAUL VAPPIE, II ("VAPPIE"), age 52
  • New Orleans Mayor's Office
  • NOPD
  • Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI)
  • Department of Justice's Computer Crimes and Intellectual Properties Section Cybercrime Lab
  • City of New Orleans Office of Inspector General
  • Metropolitan Crime Commission

Read more