New Orleans Mayor LaToya Cantrell has been indicted by a federal grand jury, marking a significant development in a lengthy corruption investigation. The indictment was confirmed by her attorney, Eddie Castaing, who stated that her name was read aloud in federal court as a defendant. The specific charges against Cantrell have not yet been disclosed.

This indictment concludes a years-long investigation into Cantrell, who is the first female mayor in the city’s history. She is currently in the final year of her second term and is set to leave office in January. Cantrell has faced numerous challenges during her tenure, including a recall effort in 2022 and ongoing conflicts with the City Council.

The federal investigation reportedly began in early 2024 and has already led to the indictment of a building inspector accused of attempting to bribe Cantrell with approximately $9,000 in gifts in 2019. Additionally, her former bodyguard, Jeffrey Vappie, has also been indicted for allegedly using his relationship with Cantrell to defraud the New Orleans Police Department.

Political analysts note that Cantrell's influence has diminished in recent months. She has not posted on her official social media account since July 15, when she highlighted significant declines in crime. Observers suggest that her early accomplishments have been overshadowed by political strife and changes to the city charter that have limited her powers.

Cantrell and her supporters argue that she has been unfairly targeted due to her race and gender, claiming that she is held to a different standard than her male counterparts. Earlier this year, she described her treatment as "very disrespectful, insulting, in some cases kind of unimaginable."

This indictment makes Cantrell the first sitting mayor of New Orleans to face federal charges while in office. Previous mayor Ray Nagin was indicted in 2013 and later sentenced to ten years in prison. As Cantrell approaches the end of her term, she has seen a decline in support from former allies and has faced increasing scrutiny from the public and political opponents.