New Orleans Mayor Latoya Cantral was charged on federal allegations, including conspiracy, fraud and hindrance, after allegations of trying to hide a romantic relationship with their bodyguards on Friday.
Prosecutors Blame In October 2021, Cantarel and Jeffrey Wappy, his bodyguard, developed a “personal, intimate relationship”, Michael Simpson said, starred an American lawyer for Louisiana’s eastern district.
Since the retirement of Vappi in June 2024, the two had planned to “cheat the New Orleans City and the New Orleans Police Department,” Simpson said during a news conference on Friday.
The prosecution alleged that Vappi was paid as if he was working when he and the mayor met alone in the apartment and traveled on vineyard. Simpson said Cantrall arranged for at least 14 domestic and international visits to “at least 14 domestic and international visits” on at least 14 domestic and international visits.
“Overall, the city of New Orleans alone paid more than $ 70,000 for the visit of Waypi on these trips,” Simpson said.
At that time, Cantarel said that he invited a bodyguard to travel with him due to Kovid -19 and in the case of security, Simpson said.
The mayor’s office did not immediately respond to the request of the comment. It was not immediately clear whether Cantarel has a lawyer who represents him. The Associated Press reported that Waypi was already facing wire fraud and making false statements, and is not guilty.
The prosecutors also accused VP and Cantarel of exchanging encrypted messages through WhatsApp and then to remove conversations.
In an undivided example, a private citizen publicly took pictures of Cantarel and Vappi together, consumed alcohol, food and alcohol, while Vappi reported to be on duty. The prosecutors said that Cantarel filed a police report and sought a preventive order against the citizen.
Simpson said, “There is no allegation in this indictment that a relationship forms a crime.” “It is also not an allegation that criminal activity occurred in only a few days or that behavior was limited to a small series of tasks. Rather, it reflects the prosecution of two public authorities, which were engaged in a year, continuing the fraud scheme, which used public funds for personal ends by exploiting their power and their rights.”
Cantarel is from the city First woman mayor in her 300 year historyCantarel, a Democrat, Term-Limited and is ready to step down in January.
A spokesman for JP Morel, president of the City Council, said, “It is a sad day for the people of New Orleans. Our thoughts and prayers are with the Cantel family as they navigate through this difficult time.” CBS affiliated WWL Louisiana,
