LaToya Cantrell, the first female mayor of New Orleans, and her bodyguard Jeffrey Vappie have been charged with fraud and obstruction of justice, allegedly using public funds for personal endeavors connected to their romantic relationship.
New Orleans Mayor LaToya Cantrell and Bodyguard Face Fraud and Corruption Charges
New Orleans Mayor LaToya Cantrell and Bodyguard Face Fraud and Corruption Charges
Mayor Cantrell and Jeffrey Vappie are accused of misusing public funds amid claims of a romantic relationship while he served as her security detail.
In a dramatic turn of events, LaToya Cantrell, the first female mayor in New Orleans' history, and her bodyguard, Jeffrey Vappie, face serious allegations of fraud and corruption that could transform their careers and political landscape. These charges stem from claims that they abused public funds while engaged in a personal relationship spanning back to October 2021, during which Vappie was a part of Cantrell's security team.
Federal prosecutors assert that the duo falsely reported Vappie as being on duty during numerous occasions, including 14 domestic and international trips, where they allegedly engaged in "personal activities." Both Cantrell and Vappie have yet to respond publicly to these serious allegations, which only amplify calls for accountability within political offices.
Prosecutors highlighted the extent of their purported misconduct, alleging that Cantrell and Vappie used the secure messaging app WhatsApp to communicate covertly and perpetuate their alleged fraud, taking advantage of its auto-delete feature. This maintained a veil over their relationship and allowed them to obscure their potentially unlawful activities, prosecutors claimed.
Official allegations detail that they treated a city-owned apartment as their personal residence, where Mr. Vappie allegedly spent time while pretending to be on duty. This included various personal excursions, such as a wine tasting in California, which reportedly cost taxpayers about $70,000.
While previously responding to questions about their travels, Cantrell emphasized safety concerns during the COVID-19 pandemic; however, evidence presented by prosecutors challenges this claim, spotlighting occasions where she was alone without Vappie's protection.
US attorney Michael Simpson noted that while a personal relationship might not be criminal, the actions taken to exploit public funds reflect a significant breach of duty and integrity. The investigation uncovered instances where Cantrell allegedly intimidated subordinates and lied to FBI agents while misrepresenting facts in front of a grand jury.
If convicted, both Cantrell and Vappie could face multi-year prison sentences and fines reaching $250,000 (£184,000). LaToya Cantrell, who has been in office since 2018, is set to leave her position in January, leaving the political climate of New Orleans in a state of uncertainty.
