NEW ORLEANS — During her weekly Wednesday morning press conference at City Hall, New Orleans Mayor LaToya Cantrell was asked whether or not she had received any kind of letter with respect to an ongoing federal investigation.
"When I came in, even being elected mayor and even prior to that, the city council, I've been a center of countless in the investigations," Cantrell said. "I have always complied, and that's what I will continue to do.
"I do know that this seems to be kind of prevalent relative to black leadership ..and I think that I'm not exempt from that," the mayor continued. "But relative to investigations, I've been in them. I've been through them, and and I'll continue to comply however they come."
In November 2022, WWL Louisiana reported that subpoenas were issued over purchases the mayor made to an image consultant, a kitchen store and high-end boutiques form her campaign funds.
Since late 2017, records show Cantrell's campaign paid the image consultant nearly $235,000. According to our partners at The Times Picayune | New Orleans Advocate, in the last two months FBI agents have also approached at least two businessmen who contributed to the mayor's campaign.
Federal authorities are also focusing on Jeffrey Vappie, the New Orleans police officer who serves on Cantrell's security team, and whose relationship with the mayor has come under scrutiny.
WWL Louisiana reporter Lily Cummings asked the mayor about the ethics charges filed against her for the nearly $29,000 she spent on upgraded travel and if she has any plans to appeal.
"So I'm really not clear on those charges specifically," Cantrell said. "I'm definitely not in favor of them at all. But I will I will comply. I'll do the right thing."
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