The Brief

New Orleans Mayor LaToya Cantrell pleaded not guilty Wednesday to federal conspiracy, fraud and obstruction charges. She’s accused of using taxpayer dollars to travel and dine with her bodyguard, Jeffrey Vappie.

The two were reportedly in a romantic relationship, though Cantrell has repeatedly denied it.

New Orleans Mayor LaToya Cantrell pleaded not guilty Wednesday to federal corruption charges tied to a reported romantic affair with her bodyguard.

Cantrell, a Democrat and the city’s first female mayor, is facing conspiracy, fraud and obstruction charges for what prosecutors describe as a yearsong scheme to conceal an affair between Cantrell and her bodyguard, Jeffrey Vappie, as the two traveled, wined and dined together using public funds.

Cantrell appeared in court Wednes

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