New Orleans Mayor LaToya Cantrell is being investigated for an alleged affair with a local police officer who charged taxpayers $14,000 to accompany her on a recent trip to Dubai, according to a report.
FBI officials are investigating the time Cantrell spent with NOPD officer Jeffrey Vappie at a private apartment on and off the clock — a relationship that reportedly led to the dissolution of her marriage, according to Fox 8.
Cantrell brought Vappie – his official bodyguard before his removal – to a “climate action” rally in Dubai in December.
While the mayor’s group picked up most of Cantrell’s $24,000 tab, Louisiana taxpayers covered Vappie’s $14,000 in airfare, hotel and other expenses, according to the outlet.
They were the only members of the New Orleans delegation.
Cantrell has come under fire for an alleged relationship with a married New Orleans police officer. Getty Images for Essence
Cantrell traveled first class, while Vappie was relegated to flying coach, according to Fox 8.
The local branch first reported their alleged affair in November, prompting Vappie’s wife to file for divorce and directly alleging sexual relations between Cantrell and city police.
The officer admitted the adulterous activities to his ex-partner, state court papers state.
Cantrell and Vappie were caught on camera visiting a city-owned apartment. fox8live
Both parties have denied trying at a city-owned apartment — even though video surveillance shows them entering and leaving the residence together at all times.
Cantrell has forcefully denied the report several times.
“Based on the false allegations that came to me, by the time I finish this job, literally, (I’ll be) accused of sleeping with half the city of New Orleans,” he said at a news conference this month after being asked about Vappie. “Both genders and all pronouns.”
Vappie earned $14,000 in expenses during a trip to Dubai with Cantrell. WWLTV
In a text exchange with a NOLA.com reporter, Cantrell insisted that she was being scrutinized because she is a woman.
Vappie remained a New Orleans cop but was removed from Cantrell’s security detail after the controversy.
Both Cantrell and Vappie have been barred from using the Upper Pontalba residence since the recording of their entry and exit came to light.
Cantrell has denied any affair with Vappie. AP
The City Council said the apartment was traditionally used for meetings with visiting dignitaries rather than long-term personal use.
Cantrell – the first female mayor of New Orleans in its 300-year history – was first elected in 2017 and up for re-election in 2021.
Democrats previously drew criticism from local stores for making personal purchases on city credit card accounts.
Local political opponents launched a recall effort to oust him from office but failed to gather enough signatures to trigger a vote.
New Orleans political observers have drawn parallels between Cantrell’s involvement and former Nashville Mayor Megan Barry, who was forced to resign in 2018 after admitting to an affair with a married member of her security detail.
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Source: thtrangdai.edu.vn/en/
