Former New Orleans police officer Jeffrey Vappie is accused of fraud after allegedly billing the city for trips and meals he shared with Mayor LaToya Cantrell while on duty. Vappie submitted false timecards claiming to be working with the Executive Protection Unit while engaging in a romantic relationship with Cantrell. The city spent over $47,000 on salary and travel costs for trips they took together. Vappie’s attorneys deny the accusations, stating he is innocent and eager to defend himself in court. Vappie resigned from the police force last month and was removed from Cantrell’s security detail in 2022 after news outlets reported on their relationship. He was later reassigned to the protection unit in June 2023.
Vappie also faces charges for making false statements after denying his relationship with the mayor to FBI agents. Each wire fraud count carries up to 20 years in prison and a $250,000 fine, while the false statements charge can result in up to five years in prison and a $250,000 fine. The indictment does not name Cantrell, but mentions a re-elected New Orleans mayor in 2021, implying her involvement. The mayor’s office did not immediately respond to requests for comment. Vappie allegedly looked up a journalist’s address after reports of his relationship with Cantrell surfaced, indicating further scrutiny of his actions.
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