Embattled New Orleans Mayor LaToya Cantrell is under investigation for allegedly having an affair with a local police officer who charged taxpayers $14,000 to accompany her on a recent trip to Dubai, according to reports. It is said that there is
FBI officials are investigating the amount of time Cantrell spent with NOPD officer Jeffrey Vappy in his private apartment, both on and off time. dissolution of his marriageaccording to Fox 8.
Cantrell took Vappy, an official security guard before his dismissal, to a climate action rally in Dubai in December.
The newspaper said the mayor's group spent most of Cantrell's $24,000 income, but Louisiana taxpayers covered Vappy's $14,000 in airline tickets, hotels and other expenses.
They were the only members of the New Orleans delegation.
Cantrell flew first class, while Vappy was demoted to coach on the plane, according to Fox 8.
Local media first reported the pair's alleged affair in November, when Vappy's wife filed for divorce and directly alleged a sexual relationship between Cantrell and a city police officer.
According to court documents, the officer admitted to having an affair with his ex-spouse.
Both parties denied any secret meetings at the city-owned apartment, even though video surveillance showed the two constantly entering and exiting the residence together.
Cantrell has vigorously denied the reports several times.
“Based on the false allegations leveled against me, by the time I finish this job, I will literally be accused of sleeping with half the city of New Orleans,” she said at a press conference this month. Told. After she was asked about Vappy. She said, “Gender and all pronouns.”
In a text exchange with a NOLA.com reporter, Cantrell claimed she faces intense scrutiny because she is a woman.
Vappy remains a New Orleans police officer, but was removed from his role as Cantrell's security guard in the wake of the controversy.
Cantrell and Vappy are both Prohibition of use of upper part of Pontalba The residence has been locked down since footage of their comings and goings came to light.
The city council says the apartment has traditionally been used for meetings with visiting dignitaries rather than for long-term personal use.
Cantrell, the first female mayor in New Orleans' 300-year history, was first elected in 2017 and re-elected in 2021.
The Democrat has previously come under fire in local media for making personal purchases using a city credit card account.
Local political opponents launched a recall campaign to remove her from office, but were unable to gather enough signatures to start a vote.
Political observers in New Orleans have noted similarities between Cantrell's involvement and former Nashville Mayor Megan Barry, who was forced to resign in 2018 after admitting to having an affair with a married security guard. There is.
