In a historic moment for New Orleans, Mayor LaToya Cantrell has officially become the first sitting mayor to be indicted while in office. Federal prosecutors made the announcement on Friday, revealing that she faces multiple charges including wire fraud, obstruction of justice, and lying to a grand jury.
The indictment, which comprises 11 counts against Cantrell, arises from an investigation concerning an alleged romantic involvement with Jeffrey Vappie, a former officer of the New Orleans Police Department who was part of her security detail prior to his retirement. Vappie has also been indicted by federal authorities.
According to details in a 48-page document prepared by the U.S. Attorney’s Office, it is claimed that the duo misused city funds during their travels across the country, asserting these expenses were city-related and attempting to hide the truth. Investigators have sifted through around 15,000 text messages exchanged between Cantrell and Vappie, many of which were deleted by Cantrell, discussing aspects of their personal and travel arrangements.
What’s Next for Cantrell?
With no prior cases to guide them, local legal and government experts are looking to New Orleans’ City Home Charter and comparable situations in other cities to predict the possible outcomes of this unprecedented scenario.
“Legally, this may not hinder her ability to continue serving as mayor,” shared attorney Dane Ciolino, also a Loyola College of Law professor. “The practical and political ramifications, however, could paint a different story.”
As Cantrell readies for her initial court appearance now scheduled for September 10, restrictions on her movement—particularly regarding any travel—are anticipated as conditions for her release. She may need judicial permission for any out-of-state or international trips.
“That won’t really prevent her from doing her job,” Ciolino stated. “She’d just have to outline her travel plans beforehand, which I expect would go through smoothly.”
The Implications of a Conviction
Even though it seems doubtful that Cantrell’s trial will commence before her current term ends in January, conviction on a felony charge would compel her resignation. Under Louisiana’s laws, officials found guilty of a felony—federal or state—have to vacate their posts. If she were to plead guilty or opt not to contest the charges, her removal from office would be immediate.
If it comes down to a not guilty plea, but she’s made guilty after a trial, the city rules stipulate an automatic suspension without pay until all appeals are resolved. Should she win an appeal after being suspended, she might even get her back pay.
Next Steps After Removal
City charter provisions dictate that, if a mayor resigns or gets removed with under a year left in their term, the City Council must elect one of the two at-large councilmembers. Currently, that would mean either Helena Moreno or JP Morrell stepping into the role.
Morrell is running for reelection, while Moreno has declared her candidacy for mayor, emerging as a leading contender to replace Cantrell, especially with municipal elections just around the corner on October 11, with a possible runoff on November 15.
Moreno issued a public comment when the charges were revealed, reinforcing that the mayor is entitled to a fair defense and should be presumed innocent.
Support from fellow councilmembers has been tentative, with no vocal demands for Cantrell’s resignation coming from City Council members, despite her tumultuous relationship with them throughout her time in office. Councilmember Oliver Thomas, running for mayor himself, stated, “This is a pivotal time for our city, and we need to ensure our focus is directed towards moving forward, sidestepping political distractions.”
On a similar note, Councilmember Eugene Green remarked that the day’s events posed a challenge for their beloved city.
“I’ll keep my efforts focused on progressing New Orleans, enhancing our residents’ safety, and addressing my community’s needs,” Green emphasized.
No Signs of Resignation
Similar events unfolded a few years back in Nashville when then-Mayor Megan Barry, the city’s first female mayor, encountered controversy after admitting to an affair with a security officer. Barry ultimately pled guilty to a felony and resigned but struggled to recover her political life afterwards.
As for Cantrell, she has been silent since her indictment was disclosed, skipping the launch of a new Amtrak service where she was intended to speak. Still, she made her way back to work soon after that, Monday’s routine apparently undisturbed.
The communications team from Cantrell’s office hasn’t responded to inquiries about potential changes in her management strategy, nor did her attorney provide comments regarding the legal situation. A representative stated on Monday that the mayor remains focused on her role in serving the people of New Orleans.
Mediratta writes for Verite News in cooperation with the Associated Press.
This piece was originally published in Los Angeles Times.
