NEW ORLEANS (AP) — New Orleans Mayor LaToya Cantrell was indicted Friday on federal conspiracy, fraud and obstruction charges based on accusations that she tried to hide a romantic relationship with her bodyguard, who was paid as if he was working even when they met alone in apartments and traveled to vineyards for wine tasting.
The indictment is the culmination of a long-running federal investigation into the first female mayor in the city’s 300-year history.
Her bodyguard, Jeffrey Vappie, has pleaded not guilty following his indictment on charges of wire fraud and making false statements. He is accused of hiding a romantic relationship with Cantrell and filing false payroll records claiming he was on duty. Vappie, who retired from the police department last year, is scheduled to stan