Mayor LaToya Cantrell's alleged affair with bodyguard focus of federal indictment
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Mayor LaToya Cantrell had a meal on the balcony of Tableau with NOPD officer Jeffrey Vappie, who was a member of her security detail at the time. The photos were reportedly taken April 7. Photo: Courtesy of MCC
Former New Orleans Police Department officer Jeffrey Vappie is accused of falsifying timesheets, lying to the FBI and taking other actions to conceal his romantic relationship with Mayor LaToya Cantrell for years, federal prosecutors said Friday in an indictment.
Why it matters: This is the most in-depth look into the alleged affair, which Vappie and Cantrell have both denied, and rumored federal investigations around it.
The big picture: Vappie, who was a part of Cantrell's security detail, was indicted Friday on seven counts of wire fraud and another count of making false statements to the FBI, according to U.S. Attorney Duane Evans.
- Vappie retired last month amid the federal investigation and a separate internal investigation into photos of him and Cantrell having a meal on the balcony of Tableau.
What they're saying: Cantrell and Vappie have both previously denied allegations they are romantically involved.
- The mayor's press secretary on Friday said the city will not be commenting "due to the ongoing nature of the investigation."
- NOPD said it is fully cooperating with federal authorities and "remains committed to upholding the highest standards of accountability and integrity."
Meanwhile, Cantrell has not been charged with any wrongdoing, but she is mentioned throughout the 17-page indictment as "Public Official 1."
- She is rumored to be the target of another federal investigation. Prosecutors are looking into allegations of bribery, according to WWL and NOLA.com | The Times-Picayune.
- It's unclear if or when any charges will be brought forth and what they might be.
Between the lines: Vappie's wife filed for divorce in January 2023 and accused him of having an affair with Cantrell in the documents, Fox 8 reported at the time.
- Cantrell's husband, Jason, died in August 2023 from a heart attack. They were a month shy of 24 years of marriage.
Zoom out: These are five takeaways from the federal indictment against Vappie.
- Romantic relationship: Vappie and Cantrell's romantic relationship started as early as November 2021, prosecutors say. He is accused of attempting to disguise the relationship as part of his duties of protecting the mayor, including falsifying timecards and deleting messages.
- FBI interview: Agents interviewed Vappie at his home a year ago and prosecutors say he lied when saying he never had a physical relationship with Cantrell, had never kissed her and had never told her he loved her.
- Internet searches: Vappie is accused of searching for Fox 8 reporter Lee Zurik's address after the journalist began reporting about his time at the Upper Pontalba apartment with Cantrell, the station reports. He also is accused of searching for details about a Nashville mayor accused of having an affair.
- Time together: Vappie and Cantrell are accused of eating meals and drinking alcohol together in restaurants while he said he was working. He also accompanied her on at least 14 international and domestic trips that were purported to be work-related, the indictment says.
- Internal investigation: Prosecutors accuse Vappie of trying to influence interim NOPD superintendent Michelle Woodfork into exonerating him during an international investigation. She didn't, and prosecutors allege that factored into why Cantrell did not select her for the permanent job.
What's next: Vappie heads to court on the charges. He faces up to 20 years in prison and up to $250,000 in fines for each count of wire fraud.
- For the count of false statements, he faces up to five years and a $250,000 fine.
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