Former New Orleans Mayor LaToya Cantrell is facing fresh accusations as she prepares for a criminal trial on charges of wire fraud involving her bodyguard, with whom prosecutors believe she had a romantic relationship. Cantrell and her longtime security detail, Jeffrey Vappie, were indicted in federal court in 2024 on charges of wire fraud, conspiracy, and false statements. They are accused of using public funds for romantic getaways and attempting to conceal them.
New Allegations of Undisclosed Gifts
According to recent court filings, prosecutors allege that Cantrell received lavish personal gifts from Vappie that she failed to disclose when questioned by law enforcement. Among these gifts was a gold ring featuring the New Orleans Police Department crescent, which Vappie had worn during his time on the force. This ring was one of two that Vappie allegedly gave to Cantrell. In a 2023 affidavit, Cantrell acknowledged receiving a smaller diamond ring from Vappie but did not mention the gold ring, prosecutors claim.
Court documents include multiple photographs purportedly showing Cantrell wearing the rings. One image captures screenshots of messages that appear to display Cantrell's hand adorned with two rings. The messages read, "Hey did you tell [redacted] you put a ring on it?" followed by a response, "Two," accompanied by a photo of Cantrell's hand with the gold ring.
Evidence of the Ring in Official Settings
Prosecutors also submitted a photo of Cantrell wearing the ring on December 22, 2021, while signing ordinances, and another from an official event on January 6, 2022. They even argue that Cantrell's official mayoral portrait shows her wearing two rings—a diamond ring and the gold ring allegedly gifted by Vappie. Vappie is also accused of failing to provide records of gifts given to Cantrell despite a federal subpoena demanding documentation of gifts or "anything of value."
Defense attorneys counter that the gold ring was not a gift in the legal sense. They note that Cantrell wore the ring in front of the government, the grand jury, and at her magistrate court appearance. "Because the ring was not a delivered gift, in the legal sense, it is not a similar 'crime, wrong,' or any offense. And, it was not concealed," they argue in court filings.
Misuse of Campaign Funds Alleged
In addition to the gifts, prosecutors allege that Cantrell misused campaign funds for personal benefit. They claim she used campaign money to purchase alcohol during the pandemic and luxurious clothing. A staffer, referred to as "Associate A," reportedly confronted her about these purchases but was ignored. According to court documents, Cantrell allegedly spent over $9,000 on alcohol from a local liquor store between March and October 2020, and $259,559 on a personal stylist from 2017 through 2020. Cantrell has not been charged with misusing campaign funds, and her lawyers maintain that the purchases were public and an ethics investigation found no violations.
Defense Arguments
During a court hearing on Tuesday, Cantrell's lawyer, Eddie Castaing, argued that the prosecution is trying to portray her as a "drunk" and punish her for pursuing a romantic relationship. Vappie's attorney, Shaun Clarke, contended that the government has not provided proof that the ring even exists, pointing to a screenshot of a $200 CashApp payment that "may or may not" have been for the ring. Castaing remarked, "Out of 4,500 federal statutes, I haven't found one that says falling in love was a federal offense."
Romantic Trips and Encrypted Messages
Prosecutors also allege that Cantrell and Vappie spent tens of thousands of city dollars on romantic trips while Vappie was paid to serve on her security detail. They believe the intimate relationship began as early as October 2021, while Cantrell was still married to her late husband Jason, who died of a heart attack in 2023. The pair is also accused of exchanging encrypted messages on WhatsApp to avoid detection and then deleting the conversations.
Cantrell's lawyers filed a 164-page opposition to the charges earlier this month. The case is being tried by US Attorneys Jordan Ginsberg and Nicholas Dupuy Moses, with Trump-appointed Judge Wendy Vitter presiding. Vitter will decide whether the evidence of gifts is admissible at trial, which is set to begin in October. The Daily Mail has reached out to Cantrell and Vappie's attorneys for comment.
