by A federal grand jury has issued a superseding indictment against New Orleans Mayor LaToya Cantrell, concluding a lengthy corruption investigation into the city’s first female mayor.
Historic First for New Orleans
Cantrell is now the first sitting mayor of New Orleans to face criminal prosecution, marking a historic and controversial moment for the city. The grand jury’s decision signals that prosecutors presented sufficient evidence to move forward with criminal charges.
Charges and Allegations
Filed in the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Louisiana, the indictment charges Cantrell with:
- Conspiracy to commit wire fraud
- Wire fraud
- Conspiracy to obstruct justice
- Obstruction of justice
- False statements
According to court documents, Cantrell faces a dozen counts of wire fraud. Prosecutors allege that she and Jeffrey Paul Vappie, a member of her executive protection unit who developed a personal relationship with her in October 2021, engaged in personal activities while Vappie claimed to be on duty.
The indictment further claims that Vappie accompanied Cantrell on at least 14 trips outside Louisiana, including international travel, costing the City of New Orleans more than $70,000.
Cantrell is also accused of making false declarations before a grand jury and obstructing investigators. An earlier indictment was filed in July 2024 before being expanded with these new charges.
Next Steps in the Case
Cantrell, currently in her second term as mayor after being first elected in 2017 and reelected in 2021, has been served with a summons to appear in federal court. Her term is scheduled to end this coming January.
The felony charges carry potential prison sentences ranging from five to 20 years, along with significant fines.
