New Orleans mayor scheduled for arraignment related to alleged cover-up of bodyguard affair.

New Orleans Mayor LaToya Cantrell made a notable entrance into federal court on Wednesday afternoon, where she was arraigned on several serious charges, including fraud and obstruction of justice. These charges stem from an alleged cover-up of her romantic relationship with her former bodyguard, Jeffrey Paul Vappie II.

As the first female mayor in the history of New Orleans, Cantrell has faced a tumultuous tenure marked by controversy and scrutiny. According to the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Louisiana, Cantrell and Vappie are accused of engaging in a “years-long scheme” to defraud the city, a situation exacerbated by Vappie’s continued claim of being on duty while he allegedly spent time with Cantrell.

The allegations suggest that the couple misused public resources by routing Vappie’s salary and associated expenses to the taxpayer while he was supposedly fulfilling his duties as a bodyguard. Instead, prosecutors assert he was involved in personal activities alongside Cantrell. This controversy is intensified by a recent 18-count indictment, which added Cantrell to the existing charges against Vappie, who was indicted previously in July 2024 on accusations of wire fraud and making false statements.

Cantrell, who is now 53 years old, faces multiple charges including conspiracy to commit wire fraud, conspiracy to obstruct justice, and making false statements before a grand jury. She has publicly denied any wrongdoing and has expressed frustration when questioned about the nature of her association with Vappie, whom she had known for years before entering into the relationship.

According to the indictment, the two allegedly coordinated at least 14 domestic and international trips together. Notably, they took a trip to San Francisco in the spring of 2022, during which expenses were billed to the city. On one occasion, Vappie supposedly reported working a 15-hour day, while prosecutors claim he was, in fact, enjoying wine tasting with Cantrell. Throughout these excursions, it is alleged that New Orleans taxpayers covered over ,000 in expenses related to Vappie’s travel.

Vappie, who officially retired from the New Orleans Police Department in 2024, is expected to attend a court hearing on Friday to address the additional charges brought against him.

The unfolding events surrounding Mayor Cantrell highlight the broader concerns about ethics and accountability in public office, particularly as she continues her mayoral duties amid these serious legal challenges. Media News Source will continue to follow this story as it develops.