Embattled New Orleans Mayor LaToya Cantrell is being investigated for an alleged affair with a local police officer who billed taxpayers $14,000 to accompany her on a recent trip to Dubai, according to a report.
FBI officials are investigating the time Cantrell spent with NOPD officer Jeffrey Vappie at a private apartment, both on and off-duty, a relationship that allegedly led to the dissolution of their marriage, according to Fox 8.
Cantrell took Vappie, his official security guard before his dismissal, to a “climate action” meeting in Dubai in December.
While a group of mayors footed most of Cantrell’s $24,000 bill, Louisiana taxpayers funded Vappie’s airfare, hotel and other expenses totaling $14,000, according to the outlet.
They were the only members of the New Orleans delegation.
Cantrell is under fire for an alleged relationship with a married New Orleans police officer. Getty Images for Essence
Cantrell traveled first class, while Vappie was relegated to flying coach, according to Fox 8.
Local media first reported on their alleged affair in November, prompting Vappie’s wife to file for divorce and directly allege a sexual relationship between Cantrell and the city cop.
The officer admitted to adulterous activity with his ex-spouse, court documents state.
Cantrell and Vappie were caught on camera frequenting a city-owned apartment. fox8live
Both parties have denied having a date at a city-owned apartment, even though surveillance cameras show them entering and leaving the residence together at all hours.
Cantrell has strenuously denied the reports on several occasions.
“Based on the false accusations presented to me, when I finish this job, I will literally (be) accused of sleeping with half the city of New Orleans,” she said at a news conference this month. after being asked about Vappie. “Both genders and all pronouns.”
Vappie incurred $14,000 in expenses during a trip to Dubai with Cantrell. WWLTV
In a text message exchange with a NOLA.com reporter, Cantrell claimed she was being vetted because she is a woman.
Vappie is still a New Orleans police officer, but has been removed from Cantrell’s security team in the wake of the controversy.
Both Cantrell and Vappie have been banned from using the Upper Pontalba residence since images of their entrances and exits came to light.
Cantrell has denied any romance with Vappie. AP
The council said the apartment had traditionally been used for meetings with visiting dignitaries rather than for long-term personal use.
Cantrell, the first female mayor of New Orleans in its 300-year history, was first elected in 2017 and re-elected in 2021.
The Democrat has previously been criticized by local media for making personal purchases with city credit card accounts.
Local political opponents launched a recall effort to remove her from office, but failed to gather enough signatures to start a vote.
New Orleans political observers have drawn parallels between Cantrell’s entanglement and former Nashville Mayor Megan Barry, who was forced to resign in 2018 after admitting to an affair with a married member of her security detail.
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Source: vtt.edu.vn