The mayor of New Orleans, LaToya Cantrell, and her bodyguard, Jeffrey Vappie, have been charged with fraud and corruption for allegedly using public funds to support their romantic relationship. Prosecutors claim that from October 2021 until Vappie’s retirement in June 2024, Cantrell and Vappie falsely claimed that Vappie was on duty while they were actually engaged in personal activities, including during 14 domestic and international trips. Neither Cantrell nor Vappie has commented on the allegations.
The City of New Orleans stated that it is aware of the charges and that Cantrell’s lawyer is reviewing them. Federal prosecutors accused Cantrell and Vappie of using WhatsApp to exchange thousands of messages in an attempt to hide their relationship and unlawful activity. They also alleged that the pair treated a city-owned apartment as their personal residence and went on personal trips, such as a wine tasting in California, which cost $70,000. Cantrell previously claimed that she brought a bodyguard with her due to the Covid pandemic, but prosecutors argue that there were instances when she traveled alone.
US attorney Michael Simpson stated that the couple’s actions did not constitute a crime but rather a “years-long fraud scheme” that used public money for personal gain. Cantrell filed a police report and sought a restraining order against an individual who took photos of her and Vappie dining together while he was supposed to be on duty. They are also accused of intimidating subordinates, lying to FBI agents, and committing perjury by making false statements to a grand jury. If found guilty, any of the charges could result in multi-year prison sentences and fines of up to $250,000. Cantrell, a Democrat, has been the first female mayor of New Orleans in the city’s 300-year history since 2018 and is set to leave office in January.
Source: https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/cr4edddqpr7o?at_medium=RSS&at_campaign=rss
