In a city already grappling with rising crime rates, New Orleans Mayor LaToya Cantrell finds herself at the center of a burgeoning scandal. The first female mayor of the city is under intense scrutiny as the FBI investigates allegations of an improper relationship with her married bodyguard, Jeffrey Vappie, and the potential misuse of taxpayer dollars during a trip to Dubai.
The controversy took root when security footage suggested that Mayor Cantrell and Vappie spent considerable time together in a city-owned apartment during work hours. This has raised serious questions about the nature of their relationship and whether it has crossed professional boundaries. The situation is further complicated by claims of timesheet discrepancies involving Vappie, who was accused of logging 18 hours of work in a single day and spending numerous hours with the mayor outside his scheduled duty hours.
BREAKING – ANOTHER SEX SCANDAL: New Orleans Mayor LaToya Cantrell is under FBI investigation for an alleged relationship with police officer Jeffrey Vappie. The probe includes a taxpayer-funded trip to Dubai costing over $15,000, report says.
NOTE: Cantrell is also facing… pic.twitter.com/P2jiK2HxWf
— Simon Ateba (@simonateba) January 23, 2024
These allegations have been bolstered by divorce filings from Vappie’s wife, which hint at an affair dating back to May 2021, around the time Vappie began working on Cantrell’s security detail. The local media have identified “Mrs. L.C.” mentioned in these filings as Mayor Cantrell, adding fuel to the fire of speculation and gossip.
Adding to the mayor’s woes is the financial aspect of the scandal. It has come to light that while most of Cantrell’s expenses for a climate action event in Dubai were covered by a mayoral group, Louisiana taxpayers footed the bill for Vappie’s airfare, hotel, and other expenses, totaling approximately $14,000. The expenditure is now under close examination, given the limited size of the delegation and the nature of Cantrell and Vappie’s relationship.
Another Sex Scandal: New Orleans Democrat Mayor LaToya Cantrell Faces FBI Investigation Over Alleged Relationship with Her Married Bodyguard and Misuse of Taxpayer-funded Dubai Trip via @gatewaypundit https://t.co/yWDX1iA3DB
— The Gateway Pundit (@gatewaypundit) January 23, 2024
Previously, Cantrell faced criticism over $29,000 in first-class flight upgrades, which she defended as necessary for health and safety reasons.
Although she reimbursed the city for some of these expenses, the Louisiana Board of Ethics charged her under a state law that prohibits public officials from receiving anything of value for their official duties.
In response to the swirling allegations, Mayor Cantrell has vehemently denied any affair, framing the accusations as products of sexism and racism. She expressed frustration over the rumors about her personal life in a January 2023 press conference, suggesting that if she were a man, such claims would not be entertained.
The current investigation draws uncomfortable parallels to the scandal involving former Nashville Mayor Megan Barry, who resigned after facing charges for the misuse of city funds. As the FBI continues its investigation, the citizens of New Orleans are left to ponder the implications of these allegations on their city’s leadership and the use of their tax dollars. The unfolding events will undoubtedly leave an indelible mark on the political landscape of New Orleans.
