'Power corrupts': New Orleans Mayor LaToya Cantrell slammed as she faces probe over alleged affair and taxpayer-funded Dubai trip with married cop

NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA: New Orleans Mayor LaToya Cantrell is now facing intensified scrutiny from the FBI regarding an alleged affair with NOPD officer Jeffrey Vappie after their recent trip to Dubai, which apparently cost taxpayers over $14,000. 

Fox 8 reported that FBI officials are delving into the time Cantrell spent with Vappie at a private apartment, both on and off duty, resulting in the dissolution of the latter's marriage.

New Orleans Mayor LaToya Cantrell has been accused of engaging in an inappropriate relationship with Jeffrey Vappie 

Cantrell had brought Vappie, her former official security guard, to Dubai's COP28 climate summit between November 30 and December 7, 2023.

While a mayoral group paid most of Cantrell's $24,000 expenses, Louisiana taxpayers footed the bill for Vappie's airfare, hotel accommodations, and other costs, amounting to more than $14,000.

Notably, the duo were the sole members of the New Orleans delegation. Discrepancies in their travel arrangements added fuel to the controversy, with Cantrell flying first class while Vappie was confined to coach, as per records reviewed by Fox 8.

Allegations of the affair first surfaced in November, leading to Vappie's wife filing for divorce and directly accusing Cantrell of engaging in a sexual relationship with the city cop.

Despite both parties denying any impropriety, video surveillance footage contradicts their claims, capturing them entering and exiting a city-owned apartment at various hours.

Both have been barred from using the Upper Pontalba residence, typically reserved for meetings with visiting dignitaries. 

In response to the allegations, Cantrell vehemently denied any wrongdoing at a press conference, stating, "Based on the false allegations that come my way, by the time I’ve finished this job, literally, (I’ll be) accused of sleeping with half of the city of New Orleans. Both genders and all pronouns."

Moreover, in a text exchange with a NOLA.com reporter, the mayor suggested that the increased scrutiny was due to her gender.

Cantrell, New Orleans' first female mayor, elected in 2017 and re-elected in 2021, has weathered prior controversies, including accusations of personal purchases on city credit card accounts.

Despite facing a recall effort by local political opponents, she managed to retain her position.

Vappie, while still employed as a New Orleans cop, has been removed from his position as the mayor's bodyguard in the aftermath of the controversy.

Political observers in the city drew parallels between Cantrell's predicament and the case of former Nashville Mayor Megan Barry, who resigned in 2018 after admitting she had an affair with a married member of her security detail, as per the New York Post.

Internet slams New Orleans Mayor LaToya Cantrell as she's probed over her alleged affair with Jeffrey Vappie 

Soon after news of Cantrell taking a trip with Vappie at the expense of taxpayers came to light, netizens couldn't help but take a dig at the New Orleans mayor. 

One asked, "Why the heck is the mayor or New Orleans going to Dubai?!"

A person quipped, "Here in Louisiana we call her Latoya the destroyer!" 

"Interesting how these people are stealing tax money to fund these scandals," opined someone else. 

Another noted, "Power corrupts. We accept the honor system for so many elected “leaders” and people in positions of power. It’s really short-sighted." 

This article contains remarks made on the Internet by individual people and organizations. MEAWW cannot confirm them independently and does not support claims or opinions being made online.