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

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.

Mayor Latoya Cantrell was accused of a criminal cover-up to hide her affair with a police officer assigned to protect her.

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. Cantrell's was indicted Friday by a federal grand jury on 18 counts.

DOJ data provides insight into the number of corruption cases filed by the U.S. Attorney's office in New Orleans.

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.

A federal grand jury handed down an indictment against New Orleans Mayor LaToya Cantrell after an investigation into corruption.

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