x
Breaking News
More () »

Mayor Cantrell makes first public appearance since Vappie indictment

Cantrell was all smiles despite the legal troubles surrounding her.

NEW ORLEANS — New Orleans Mayor Latoya Cantrell made her first public appearance Wednesday since her former bodyguard, Officer Jeffery Vappie, was indicted.

Vappie was charged federally with wire fraud and making false statements.

The indictment does not name Cantrell or charge her with any crime, but it refers to her on 12 of the 16 pages as Public Official 1 and alleges she was in a romantic relationship with Vappie for years and participated in his alleged scheme to cover it up.

At the National Urban League press conference, Cantrell was all smiles despite the legal troubles surrounding her. Once she was on stage, she stayed on the theme, pointing to the political moment the nation is in and the challenges that may arise.

Cantrell is also facing a federal investigation into her dealings with Randy Ferrell.

WWL Louisiana reporter Alyssa Curtis tried to ask Cantrell about the investigation as she hurried away.

"Mayor Cantrell, did you attend the 2019 NFC championship, and who paid for the ticket?" Curtis asked. 

Cantrell's team responded, "We’re not going to do that. I told you all that this morning. We’re going to keep moving." 

Click here to report a typo.

 Get breaking news from your neighborhood delivered directly to you by downloading the new FREE WWL-TV News app now in the IOS App Store or Google Play.

Before You Leave, Check This Out