New Orleans Mayor LaToya Cantrell made her first appearance in federal court to face conspiracy, fraud and obstruction charges tied to what prosecutors have described as a yearslong scheme to conceal a romantic relationship with her bodyguard as the two traveled, wined and dined together on taxpayers’ dime.

On Wednesday, Cantrell plead not guilty to the 18-count indictment brought against her and Jeffrey Vappie in mid-August by a grand jury.

Vappie has already pleaded not guilty to charges of wire fraud and making false statements after he was indicted in July 2024.

This was Cantrell's first public appearance since her indictment and did not comment on the case or her alleged affair with Vappie.