Historic First. Sad Alarm.
LaToya Cantrell, New Orleans’ first female mayor, has been indicted. The federal grand jury delivered the charges on August 15, 2025. She stands accused of conspiracy, wire fraud, obstruction of justice, and making false statements. Prosecutors say she hid a romantic relationship with her bodyguard, Jeffrey Vappie. They call it a misuse of public funds and power. The Guardian AP News
The Allegations at a Glance
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Cantrell allegedly billed the city for Vappie’s travel—14 out-of-state trips like Scotland and the UAE. Those trips cost taxpayers over $70,000.The Guardian New York Post
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They used a city-owned apartment for private time while Vappie was on duty. The Guardian The Washington Post
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Prosecutors say they covered their tracks. They used encrypted messaging and deleted messages. They lied to investigators and a grand jury. The Guardian AP News
Why This Charges Matter
No sitting mayor in New Orleans history has faced federal indictment—until now. The Guardian Axios Cantrell is due to leave office in January 2026 because of term limits. The Guardian Ballotpedia
A Tarnished Legacy
Cantrell rose to prominence leading recovery in Broadmoor after Katrina. Wikipedia Ballotpedia She delivered bold infrastructure agreements and re-election in 2021 by a large margin.Wikipedia+1 But her second term saw mounting controversy: travel spending, a failed recall, and more Axios WWLTV
The investigation began in 2022 over an image consultant and led to prior indictments.WWLTV+1 Now charges are filed.
What’s Next for Cantrell
Cantrell’s legal team has yet to comment. The Guardian Axios She could face up to decades in prison if convicted. The Washington Post Her allies say she’s being unfairly targeted, pointing to her identity as a Black woman. Axios
What It Means for New Orleans
The indictment marks another blow to a city long tainted by political scandal. Axios Trust in local leadership now faces a serious test. A mayor, unable to run again, will still hold office through the charge period.