The mayor of ,[object Object],, ,[object Object],, has been indicted on federal charges related to an alleged illicit relationship with her taxpayer-funded bodyguard, ,[object Object],. Prosecutors contend that the two engaged in a prolonged scheme to conceal their personal and intimate relationship while misusing public funds. According to court documents, the relationship began in October 2021, during which Vappie was assigned as Cantrell’s security detail. Despite this, prosecutors say the pair falsely reported Vappie as being on official duty during numerous occasions, including domestic and international trips, while they conducted private activities.

Federal authorities detailed that Cantrell and Vappie exploited encrypted messaging on the WhatsApp platform to communicate secretly, taking advantage of the app’s auto-delete feature to erase incriminating messages. Over 15,000 messages were exchanged, in which prosecutors allege attempts to intimidate a citizen who had photographed the mayor and Vappie dining together while he was supposedly on duty. This behavior, alongside filing false statements and providing misleading testimony to the ,[object Object], and a federal grand jury, forms part of the indictment. Vappie, who retired from the police force in 2024, has pleaded not guilty to charges of wire fraud and making false statements.

The fraud case alleges that City of ,New Orleans, funds were improperly used to cover expenses for personal trips taken by Cantrell and Vappie, including visits to a vineyard in California and other locations. Prosecutors estimate that the misuse of public resources for these trips cost taxpayers roughly $70,000. The indictment notes that a city-owned apartment was treated by the pair as a joint residence during times when Vappie was reported as being on duty. Cantrell has previously defended having a bodyguard accompany her during travels by citing safety concerns amid the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, but these claims do not align with the evidence presented by prosecutors.

,LaToya Cantrell,, the first woman to serve as mayor of ,New Orleans, since its 300-year history, has faced significant political challenges during her tenure, including contentious relations with the city council and surviving a recall attempt. The federal charges come just months before her term is set to conclude in January 2026. U.S. Attorney Michael Simpson described the situation as a “years-long fraud scheme” that represents a serious breach of public trust and underlined that the charges reflect the misuse of power and authority rather than the consensual nature of their relationship. Both Cantrell and Vappie face potential hefty fines and prison sentences if convicted.