New Orleans Mayor LaToya Cantrell set for federal arraignment on September 10

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Classical Liberal
NEW ORLEANS, La. (KTVE/KARD)- Mayor LaToya Cantrell of New Orleans is expected to appear in federal court for arraignment on September 10, following her indictment by a federal grand jury on August 15.

Cantrell faces 11 charges, including wire fraud, obstruction of justice, and making false statements to a grand jury. Federal prosecutors allege that she engaged in a yearslong scheme to defraud the City of New Orleans while attempting to hide a personal relationship with former NOPD bodyguard Jeffrey Vappie.
 
Cantrell and Vappie are accused of exploiting their public positions to develop and implement a scheme to defraud the City of New Orleans.

They are accused of engaging in personal activities while Vappie was paid to be on her security detail.

Vappie often traveled with the mayor on trips paid for by the city. In total, Vappie's trips cost the City of New Orleans more than $70,000, which is separate from Cantrell's travel amounts, according to the indictment.

Cantrell and Vappie are also accused of using encrypted messages to hide their relationship through the app "What's App."

Both are accused of deleting photos and messages, making false statements about their relationship to federal law enforcement agents, and testifying falsely under oath.

In 2021, Vappie is accused of going on trips with Cantrell 14 times between 2021 and 2024.

Vappie is also accused of spending time alone with Cantrell in the Pontalba apartment that she stayed in. At the time, that apartment was city-owned.
 
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