Jeffrey Vappie, Mayor LaToya Cantrell's former New Orleans Police Department bodyguard, pleaded not guilty Friday to fresh corruption charges alleging he and the mayor spent taxpayer dollars on a series of romantic getaways then schemed to cover it up.

Vappie and Cantrell were charged with conspiracy, wire fraud and other counts in the 18-count indictment secured by federal prosecutors on Aug. 15.

Vappie had already been accused of wire fraud and false statements counts in an earlier indictment prosecutors secured last summer. His denial of the new counts means both Vappie and Cantrell will face a months-long court battle as they try to beat the charges.

Cantrell pleaded not guilty to her own charges on Wednesday.

Speaking outside the Hale Boggs Federal Building and U.S. Courthouse

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