New Orleans Mayor LaToya Cantrell's administration issued a response hours after she and her former bodyguard, Jeffrey Vappie, were indicted Friday on federal charges that accuse them of a yearslong scheme to conceal their romantic relationship.

"The city of New Orleans is aware of today’s indictment against Mayor Cantrell," officials said in an emailed statement. "The Mayor’s attorney, Eddie Castaing, recently received the information, and is thoroughly reviewing the document. Until his review is complete, the City will not comment further on this matter."

Vappie and his lawyers have not issued a comment.

The indictment emerged after a lengthy corruption investigation that overshadowed her final term as mayor, which ends in January. Together, she and Vappie face 18 felony accounts, i

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