NEW ORLEANS (WVUE) - Mayor LaToya Cantrell and her former New Orleans Police Department bodyguard, Jeffrey Vappie, have been indicted by a federal grand jury on 18 counts, including conspiracy, wire fraud, and lying to a grand jury. This marks the first time in the city’s history that a sitting mayor faces federal criminal charges.

Officials allege she defrauded the city while trying to keep hidden her relationship with a police officer assigned to protect her.

In January 2025, Cantrell traveled to Washington, D.C. Records show that trip for security cost more than $2,000. In April, Cantrell returned to Washington, D.C. That trip for security cost about $1,800.

New Orleans Congressman Troy Carter said he understands the city is shaken by Mayor LaToya Cantrell's federal indictment on corruption charges, but Carter said he remains focused on doing his part to advance its residents' priorities during the uncertainty at City Hall.

Built around 1799, the Pitot House is named after the fourth owner of the house — James Pitot, the city's first American mayor.

The Mayor of New Orleans had a years-long romance with her bodyguard. She’s been indicted for spending city money on hotels and wine tastings with him - Prosecutors allege that it cost New Orleans taxpayers $70,

The fight for City Hall is getting messier. With less than two months until the New Orleans primaries, candidates are dropping out, trading jabs and chasing headlines. Catch up quick with what's been happening in the races.

The top three candidates for New Orleans mayor fought for the endorsement of the Independent Women’s Organization of Greater New Orleans during a wide-ranging Aug. 14 forum at Dillard University’s