In connection with an alleged years-long cover-up of a romantic relationship with a former police officer, New Orleans Mayor LaToya Cantrell was indicted on Friday on federal wire fraud and obstruction of justice charges.
Prosecutors claim that as early as October 2021, Cantrell, the first female mayor in the city’s 300-year history, formed a close, personal relationship with Jeffrey Paul Vappie II, her bodyguard.
The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Louisiana said in a news release Friday that the accused couple defrauded the city of New Orleans and its police department from that point until his retirement in June 2024 by paying Vappie’s salary and expenses while he pretended to be on duty but was actually involved in personal activities, frequently with Cantrell.
Prosecutors claimed that the two used a variety of tactics to conceal their plan and carry out their ongoing deception during that time, including bullying subordinates, lying to coworkers, erasing evidence, and giving the FBI false information.
The indictment also claims that Cantrell and Vappie conspired to plan at least 14 domestic and foreign travels.
Prosecutors claim that Vappie and Cantrell extended their trips to San Francisco by one day in order to tour a number of wineries in the Napa Valley. Vappie claimed to have worked a 15-hour day on April 9, 2022, and got compensated for it while he was wine tasting.
According to texts purportedly exchanged between the two on the private platform WhatsApp, Cantrell stated approximately four months later that she would arrange for Vappie to accompany her on a three-day vacation to Washington, D.C., which they both agreed they needed.
According to officials, Vappie reaffirmed his love for her and their physical relationship after returning, calling the trip to Cantrell “another leg on our journey.”
In total, the city spent over $70,000 on his travel expenses.
Cantrell, 53, is accused with making false declarations and comments in front of a grand jury, conspiring to obstruct justice, and conspiring to commit wire fraud. Term limitations will force the two-term Democrat to step down in less than six months.
A year ago, Vappie, who was already facing charges for allegedly making false claims and filing fake payroll paperwork, entered a not guilty plea.
Cantrell was included in the case after a grand jury delivered an 18-count indictment on Friday.
The City of New Orleans informed the media that it would not comment on the indictment until the mayor’s attorney’s assessment was over.
Using News Wire Services
