The New Orleans mayor's former bodyguard was in court Friday to be arraigned on new charges he is facing in connection with the indictment of Mayor LaToya Cantrell.

Former New Orleans Police Department officer Jeffrey Vappie pleaded not guilty to charges of wire fraud and obstruction of justice, according to his attorney. Advertisement

His attorney said that Vappie was "collateral damage" in a long federal investigation into Mayor Cantrell.

His attorney said that Vappie did his job by protecting the mayor, and claims the government is charging him with matters of personal conduct that are not federal crimes.

His attorneys believe Vappie's name will be cleared.

His trial was set for Jan. 20.

The indictment against Mayor Cantrell alleges that in October 2021, Cantrell and Vappie devel

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