New Orleans Mayor Latoya Cantrell Indicted on Federal Charges

Strategic Insights -

New Orleans Mayor Latoya Cantrell, the city's first female mayor, is facing federal wire fraud and conspiracy charges after being indicted along with a former member of her security detail, Jeffrey Vappie. The indictment alleges that the two began a relationship in 2021, during which time Vappie was paid as an on-duty member of Cantrell's personal security team, while engaging in "personal activities" including out-of-state trips. The city was billed over $70,000 on Vappie's behalf for a three-day trip to Washington, D.C. Cantrell allegedly shifted policy to bring Vappie on the trip, saying "I will make it happen" to have him accompany her.

Key Takeaways:

  • Mayor Latoya Cantrell and former security detail member Jeffrey Vappie were indicted on federal charges of conspiracy to commit wire fraud, conspiracy to obstruct justice, and other counts.
  • The indictment alleges that the two began a romantic relationship in 2021, while Vappie was still working on Cantrell's personal security team.
  • The couple allegedly used a city-owned apartment during their relationship and used Vappie's position to have the city pay for his expenses and his wife expenses while he was on duty with Cantrell.
  • Cantrell allegedly shifted policy to bring Vappie on out-of-state trips, including a three-day trip to Washington, D.C., where the city was billed over $70,000 for Vappie's expenses.
  • The couple allegedly tried to hide their affair and thousands of texts and pictures were recovered from the WhatsApp messaging platform.
  • Vappie also faces twelve counts of wire fraud, while Cantrell faces two counts of making a false declaration before a grand jury.

Statistics:

  • The City of New Orleans was billed over $70,000 on Vappie's behalf for his expenses on a three-day trip to Washington, D.C.
  • Hundreds of thousands of dollars were allegedly paid to Vappie for his "duty" while engaged in "personal activities" with Cantrell.
  • Thousands of texts and pictures were recovered from the WhatsApp messaging platform.

Sources:

  • "New Orleans Mayor Latoya Cantrell, former police officer indicted on federal charges." UPI, 2023.