Allegations in Cantrell's federal case have been at center of tension with city council

NEW ORLEANS — New Orleans Mayor LaToya Cantrell appeared in federal court on Wednesday, entering a not guilty plea to multiple federal charges.

A key focus of the case is the allegations surrounding her travel while in office. Federal prosecutors allege that Cantrell, along with her former bodyguard Jeffrey Vappie, misused public funds, which they say cost the city approximately $70,000 on questionable travel expenses.

Concerns over the mayor’s travel are not new. Long before the indictment, Cantrell's travel history had been a point of contention between her administration and the City Council.

Back in 2022, the mayor faced criticism and was ultimately forced to reimburse the city nearly $30,000 for first-class flight upgrades. More recently, tensions flared again when the council atte