New Orleans Mayor Indicted: Secret Affair, Lies, and Encrypted Chats!

2025-08-17 00:00:37.107

New Orleans Mayor LaToya Cantrell was indicted on Friday on charges of conspiracy, fraud, and obstruction. Prosecutors allege a yearslong scheme to conceal a romantic relationship with her bodyguard, Jeffrey Vappie, who is accused of being paid even while not working, including during personal trips with Cantrell. The indictment, which includes 18 counts, details how Cantrell and Vappie allegedly used encrypted WhatsApp messages to avoid detection and then deleted the conversations. While both claim their relationship was professional, the indictment describes it as "personal and intimate." Vappie already faced charges of wire fraud and making false statements and has pleaded not guilty. The indictment alleges that Cantrell and Vappie used WhatsApp for over 15,000 messages, including attempts to harass a citizen, delete evidence, make false statements to FBI agents, and commit perjury. Cantrell, the first female mayor in New Orleans' 300-year history, is the city's first mayor to be charged while in office. She faces these charges less than five months before her term ends. The City of New Orleans stated they are aware of the indictment and will comment after the mayor's attorney reviews it. Cantrell's last social media post was on July 15th.