New ORLEANS – A stunning revelation: New Orleans Mayor Latoya Cantrell and ex-NOPD officer Jeffrey Paul Vappie, II have been indicted by the DOJ for a brazen wire fraud scheme. Cantrell, 53, and Vappie, 52, are accused of conspiring to bilk the city out of funds while Vappie claimed to be on duty.
According to federal charges, the duo used their positions for personal gain. As Mayor, Cantrell had authority to approve payments for Vappie’s salary and expenses, which they claimed were incurred while he was on duty, despite being involved in personal activities with Cantrell. This fraudulent scheme allegedly spanned from October 2021 until Vappie’s retirement in June 2024.
The indictment reveals that the pair went to great lengths to cover their tracks. They communicated over 15,000 messages using WhatsApp, intimidated subordinates, harassed a citizen, and deleted evidence. Both were charged with making false statements to FBI agents and before a grand jury, all to impede inquiries.
The superseding indictment also details how Cantrell and Vappie used their city-owned apartment in the Pontalba for intimate encounters while Vappie was on the payroll as part of the Executive Protection Unit. They even arranged for international trips, including visits to Napa Valley wineries, all under the guise of work.
This scandal is a devastating blow to New Orleans’ faith in its leadership and law enforcement. The charges against Cantrell and Vappie represent a serious breach of trust and could have far-reaching consequences for both of their careers.
As this investigation unfolds, it’s clear that the city faces an uphill battle to restore public confidence. The charges against Cantrell and Vappie will undoubtedly be scrutinized in the coming weeks and months.
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- TX Woman Pleads Guilty to Ricin Letter Scheme · New York
- Jason Christopher Devillier Sentenced in $474K Bank Fraud Scheme · Louisiana
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Key Facts
- State: Louisiana
- Agency: DOJ USAO
- Category: Public Corruption|Fraud & Financial Crimes
- Source: Official Source ↗
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