LaToya Cantrell, the first woman to serve as mayor of New Orleans, is now facing one of the biggest scandals in the city’s history. On August 15, 2025, a federal grand jury indicted her on several charges, making her the first sitting mayor of New Orleans to be indicted while in office. The case has quickly become national news and is raising questions about corruption, power, and leadership in the city.
According to the indictment, Cantrell is accused of using her position and city resources to cover up an alleged personal relationship with her former bodyguard, former NOPD officer Jeffrey Vappie. Prosecutors claim that the mayor and Vappie conspired together through wire fraud, obstruction of justice, and false statements to investigators. They say the two went to great lengths to hide their relationship, including using encrypted WhatsApp messages, deleting communications, and misleading investigators.
The indictment also points to the misuse of taxpayer money. Court documents allege that Cantrell and Vappie took more than a dozen domestic and international trips together, costing the public over $70,000. Investigators say Vappie was paid as though he was working, even when he was allegedly spending personal time with the mayor. Reports also claim the pair frequently used a city-owned apartment in the Pontalba Building for private visits while Vappie was supposed to be on duty.
Another key piece of evidence highlighted by prosecutors is the 15,000 WhatsApp messages between the two, including photos and voice notes. Many of these messages were reportedly deleted once questions started to surface. The indictment also accuses Cantrell of intimidating subordinates, lying under oath, and trying to mislead others in order to keep the relationship secret.
If convicted, both Cantrell and Vappie could face serious penalties. Each count of wire fraud and obstruction of justice carries up to 20 years in prison and fines of up to $250,000. The weight of the charges has left city leaders stunned, with some calling it a “sad day” for New Orleans while also urging the public to let the legal process unfold.
Cantrell’s office has not given a full response to the charges, though her team has acknowledged the indictment. The case will likely take months to move through the courts, and it remains unclear what impact this will have on the city’s leadership and upcoming elections.
This marks a dramatic turn in Cantrell’s career. She was once praised for guiding New Orleans through the pandemic and focusing on rebuilding infrastructure, but these new allegations cast a shadow over her time in office. For now, the people of New Orleans are left waiting to see how the legal process plays out and what it means for the future of their city.