From our partners at FOX 8:
New Orleans Mayor LaToya Cantrell was indicted by a federal grand jury on Friday, August 15, marking the first time in the city’s history that a sitting mayor is facing criminal prosecution.
12 out of 16 jurors voted to indict Cantrell.
The filing mentions a former member of Cantrell’s executive protection team, Jeffrey Vappie, who prosecutors say falsified timesheets to conceal hours spent with Cantrell at the Upper Pontalba apartment during duty hours, including while traveling with her on official trips and attending non-work events.
The document also outlines allegations that Vappie’s conduct was part of a broader conspiracy involving falsified and deleted records to hide the nature of their relationship, and that Cantrell’s influence within NOPD leadership was used in an attempt to shield him from scrutiny.