In a shocking revelation for the Crescent City, New Orleans Mayor LaToya Cantrell and her bodyguard Jeffrey Vappie are facing serious fraud and corruption charges. Prosecutors allege that Cantrell and Vappie, who previously served as her protection officer, developed a personal relationship from October 2021 until his recent retirement planning. During this period, they allegedly misrepresented Vappie’s work hours, claiming he was on duty while actually enjoying personal activities, including 14 trips both locally and abroad.
The indictment includes the use of the secure messaging app WhatsApp to conceal their communications, with prosecutors alleging the duo exchanged thousands of messages that were automatically deleted to cover their alleged misconduct. They reportedly transformed a city-owned apartment into their personal getaway while Vappie claimed to be on duty, financially benefiting from his position at the cost of taxpayers.
Among the personal escapades cited was a trip to a California vineyard, costing taxpayers approximately $70,000. Although Cantrell suggested safety concerns due to COVID-19 necessitated having a bodyguard on these travels, prosecutors dispute this claim and pointed to instances where she traveled solo.
US Attorney Michael Simpson acknowledged that while their relationship itself was not illegal, it has devolved into what he termed a "years-long fraud scheme" that misappropriated public funds for private gain.
In a twist, Cantrell had previously taken legal action against a citizen who spotted them dining together, alleging intimidation and further complicating matters. With potential prison sentences and steep fines looming, this scandal marks a troubling chapter for the first female mayor in the city's history, as she approaches the conclusion of her term in January 2024.
The indictment includes the use of the secure messaging app WhatsApp to conceal their communications, with prosecutors alleging the duo exchanged thousands of messages that were automatically deleted to cover their alleged misconduct. They reportedly transformed a city-owned apartment into their personal getaway while Vappie claimed to be on duty, financially benefiting from his position at the cost of taxpayers.
Among the personal escapades cited was a trip to a California vineyard, costing taxpayers approximately $70,000. Although Cantrell suggested safety concerns due to COVID-19 necessitated having a bodyguard on these travels, prosecutors dispute this claim and pointed to instances where she traveled solo.
US Attorney Michael Simpson acknowledged that while their relationship itself was not illegal, it has devolved into what he termed a "years-long fraud scheme" that misappropriated public funds for private gain.
In a twist, Cantrell had previously taken legal action against a citizen who spotted them dining together, alleging intimidation and further complicating matters. With potential prison sentences and steep fines looming, this scandal marks a troubling chapter for the first female mayor in the city's history, as she approaches the conclusion of her term in January 2024.
