Jeffrey Vappie Indicted Amid New Allegations

New Orleans Mayor Indicted in Alleged Scheme with Former Officer

New Orleans Mayor LaToya Cantrell has been indicted by a grand jury, marking a significant development in an ongoing investigation involving her former police officer, Jeffrey Vappie. The indictment outlines allegations that both Cantrell and Vappie engaged in a series of actions that allegedly violated public trust and misused their positions for personal gain.

The charges center around a romantic relationship between the mayor and Vappie, which they allegedly concealed to maximize time together. According to the indictment, the pair developed this relationship in October 2021 and used encrypted messaging apps like WhatsApp to hide their communications. They are accused of deleting messages and photos, as well as making false statements to federal law enforcement agents and testifying under oath about their relationship.

Vappie, who was on Cantrell’s security detail, is accused of traveling with the mayor on multiple trips paid for by the city. These trips cost the City of New Orleans over $70,000, separate from the mayor’s travel expenses. The indictment also claims that Vappie spent time alone with Cantrell at the Pontalba apartment, a city-owned property where she resided.

Financial Misconduct and Fraudulent Activity

In addition to the personal relationship, the indictment accuses both Cantrell and Vappie of exploiting their public roles to defraud the city. Vappie is specifically charged with submitting false timecards to the New Orleans Police Department (NOPD), resulting in excessive payments. He is alleged to have incurred more than $47,000 in costs related to his trips with the mayor, including meals, lodging, and incidentals.

The indictment includes a letter written by Vappie to Cantrell in the summer of 2022, in which he expressed his feelings for her. It also states that Vappie frequently consumed alcohol and shared meals with the mayor while on duty. Additionally, he is accused of conducting online searches related to other public figures who were involved in similar relationships, such as the former mayor of Nashville and her bodyguard.

Legal Consequences and Public Response

Vappie faces seven counts of wire fraud and one count of making false statements to the FBI. He was originally indicted in July 2024 and is now implicated in the broader case involving the mayor. Cantrell, however, has not been formally indicted but is under investigation for her alleged involvement in Vappie’s timecard discrepancies.

The federal government is seeking to forfeit any property tied to the allegations and may pursue a monetary judgment against both individuals. Meanwhile, the city of New Orleans has issued a statement saying it will refrain from commenting due to the ongoing nature of the investigation.

The NOPD has emphasized its commitment to accountability and transparency, stating that it fully cooperates with federal authorities. The Metropolitan Crime Commission (MCC) praised the efforts of the FBI and other agencies in securing the indictment, while the New Orleans Police Justice Foundation acknowledged the dedication of most officers despite the controversy.

Background and Previous Investigations

This case is not new. In September 2022, the MCC reported on Cantrell’s use of the Pontalba apartment, which was then city-owned. Photos showed the mayor entering the building, attending gym classes, and sitting on the balcony, raising questions about her residency there. In November 2022, Vappie was accused of having a relationship with the mayor while serving on her security detail, prompting an investigation by the NOPD Internal Affairs Division (PIB).

Vappie’s timecards became a focal point of the investigation, revealing long shifts and potential misconduct. Leaked audio from the PIB investigation suggested Vappie was staying at the Pontalba apartment alongside the mayor. A divorce filing from Vappie’s wife indicated that their possible relationship began in 2021.

The PIB’s investigation ultimately found that Vappie violated NOPD rules and timecard policies. However, a federal judge ruled that the investigation violated a consent decree, citing issues with how evidence was handled and the protection of confidential materials.

In response, NOPD Superintendent Anne Kirkpatrick submitted a remedial plan to address these concerns. Vappie was reassigned to the mayor’s security team in January 2023 but was later removed after new photos surfaced showing him dining with Cantrell in the French Quarter. The city investigated whether the meal was funded by the city and confirmed that Vappie would resign from the NOPD in June 2024, ending a career that spanned over 25 years.