The mayor of New Orleans, LaToya Cantrell, and her bodyguard, Jeffrey Vappie, are embroiled in a high-profile legal case as they face charges of fraud and corruption. Prosecutors allege that the pair developed a personal relationship starting in October 2021, while Vappie was part of her security detail. It is claimed that during his service until June 2024, they misrepresented his protective duties to engage in “personal activities,” which included 14 domestic and international trips.
Both Cantrell and Vappie have not publicly addressed these allegations to date. The City of New Orleans has confirmed awareness of the charges, stating that the mayor's legal team is currently reviewing the situation. According to federal prosecutors, the couple utilized the secure messaging platform WhatsApp, exploiting its auto-delete feature to exchange thousands of messages that would obscure their actions as they allegedly conducted fraudulent activities.
Further allegations indicate that Cantrell and Vappie treated a city-owned apartment as their shared residence, despite his purported obligation to be on duty. They reportedly vacationed together, including a trip to a vineyard in California, all while Vappie was paid as a bodyguard—accumulating costs around $70,000.
In attempts to defend her choices, Cantrell previously asserted that her decision to bring a bodyguard was shaped by health concerns during the Covid pandemic, yet prosecutors have countered this by highlighting instances where she traveled alone. U.S. Attorney Michael Simpson described their actions as a long-term scheme that took advantage of public money for personal use, rather than constituting a typical romantic relationship.
At one point, a bystander captured images of the pair dining when Vappie was supposedly on duty. In response, Cantrell reportedly sought a restraining order against the individual. The duo is also accused of intimidating staff, misleading FBI investigators, and committing perjury by presenting false testimonies to a grand jury. If convicted, the charges could lead to prison sentences and fines reaching $250,000 (£184,000).
Cantrell, a member of the Democratic party and the first female mayor in New Orleans’ rich 300-year history, has been in office since 2018 and is slated to leave her position in January.
