Who is Jeffrey Vappie? What to know about the New Orleans Mayor’s bodyguard scandal
Jeffrey Vappie with New Orleans Mayor LaToya Cantrell before the federal indictment
Jeffrey Paul Vappie II, a veteran of the New Orleans Police Department (NOPD), served in the Executive Protection Unit tasked with safeguarding Mayor LaToya Cantrell. A graduate of Warren Easton High School with degrees from Upper Iowa University, Vappie joined NOPD in 1997 and rose to prominent protective roles, including working for former Mayor Ray Nagin.
His career took a sharp turn when federal prosecutors indicted him alongside Mayor Cantrell, alleging they engaged in a yearslong fraud scheme. Investigations, sparked by Fox 8’s “Outside the Office” series, uncovered suspicious duty logs and personal activities during official hours.
The Charges and Allegations
The superseding federal indictment claims Vappie and Cantrell used taxpayer-funded security duties to disguise an intimate relationship. Prosecutors say Vappie was paid while accompanying the mayor on at least 14 trips, both domestic and international, and while using a city-owned apartment for private purposes. The alleged misuse cost taxpayers over $70,000.
The charges include wire fraud, obstruction of justice, and making false statements. Investigators revealed that the pair exchanged more than 15,000 encrypted WhatsApp messages, many deleted, to conceal their communications. The indictment suggests city resources were redirected for personal gain, and COVID-19 protocols may have been exploited for non-official purposes.
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If convicted, Jeffrey Vappie faces up to 20 years in prison per count, hefty fines, and the loss of his law enforcement pension. Cantrell, still in office, is now the first sitting New Orleans mayor to face federal indictment.
Political Fallout and Public Reaction
The case has fueled intense public debate in New Orleans, a city with a long history of political scandals. Critics point to a troubling pattern of public corruption and misuse of office, while Cantrell’s supporters argue she is being targeted due to her race and gender.
The indictment not only threatens Vappie’s career and freedom but also casts a shadow over City Hall, eroding public trust in local governance. Legal proceedings are expected to be closely watched, with potential ripple effects for upcoming municipal elections.
