Mayor LaToya Cantrell Pleads Not Guilty in Federal Court
On August 10, New Orleans Mayor LaToya Cantrell stood before a federal judge and entered a plea of not guilty. The longtime mayor faces serious charges of fraud, obstruction, and conspiracy.
Prosecutors allege that Cantrell misused nearly $70,000 in taxpayer funds while maintaining a secret relationship with her former bodyguard, Jeffrey Vappie. She is accused of using public money to cover personal travel, meals, and entertainment.
Allegations of Public Fund Misuse
According to court documents, the mayor allegedly used city resources to fund multiple private trips with Vappie while he was on duty. Federal prosecutors claim these expenses included overtime pay, transportation, and other costs that benefited Vappie.
The indictment also states that Cantrell and Vappie exchanged more than 15,000 WhatsApp messages. These messages reportedly included love declarations, plans to intimidate a citizen who exposed their relationship, and discussions about deleting evidence.
Accusations of Cover-Up and Evidence Tampering
Authorities say Cantrell tried to hide the relationship after the media began reporting on it. Prosecutors allege she used disappearing-message features, deleted communications, and made false statements to federal investigators.
Acting U.S. Attorney Michael Simpson argued that both Cantrell and Vappie even conspired to commit perjury before a federal grand jury. The allegations, if proven, paint a picture of systematic efforts to conceal personal misconduct using public power.
Court Restrictions and Next Steps
During her court appearance, U.S. Magistrate Judge Karen Wells Roby ordered Cantrell to surrender her passport. She is now restricted to traveling within southeast Louisiana unless granted permission by probation officers.
She is also barred from contacting Vappie, who himself pleaded not guilty to charges of wire fraud and making false statements. Vappie retired from the New Orleans Police Department in 2024.
Mayor Cantrell Pushes Back Against Allegations
Despite the accusations, Cantrell continues to reject claims of wrongdoing. She has denied that her relationship with Vappie was romantic and argues that some criticism against her is rooted in bias tied to her race and gender.
Her legal team insists the charges will not interfere with her duties as mayor. Cantrell is set to complete her second term in January 2026, making her the first female mayor in New Orleans history to face criminal charges while in office.
