NEW ORLEANS (WVUE) - A superseding federal indictment filed Friday accuses New Orleans Mayor LaToya Cantrell and former NOPD officer Jeffrey Vappie of exploiting their positions to carry out a years-long fraud scheme that used public money for personal purposes, including concealing a romantic relationship.

Acting U.S. Attorney Mike Simpson said the indictment alleges Cantrell used her authority as mayor, and Vappie used his position in the Executive Protection Unit, to have the city and the New Orleans Police Department pay his salary and expenses while he engaged in personal activities, “usually with Miss Cantrell, but sometimes alone” at the Upper Pontalba apartment.

Cantrell’s indictment marks the first time in New Orleans’ history a sitting mayor has faced criminal prosecution.

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