NEW ORLEANS — Newly released photos from the paint a detailed picture of the allegations she now faces, including alleged winery trips, private messages, and visits to the Pontalba apartment, making her the first New Orleans mayor charged with a federal crime while still in office.

One image, taken during an April 2022 trip to California, shows Cantrell, then–NOPD officer Jeffrey Vappie, and a close aide at a winery. Prosecutors say the photo sparked concern from someone in Cantrell’s circle, who asked for it to be removed from social media because Vappie was in it. The indictment claims Cantrell later told that person not to contact her staff directly.

Credit: U.S. District Court Eastern District of Louisiana Alleged April 2022 winery trip: Vappie and Cantrell pictured; Cantrell appro

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