Fraud investigation: New Orleans’ Mayor accused several allegations; Accused of hiding a romantic relationship with his bodyguard

On Friday, a federal grand jury accused New Orleans Mayor Latya Cantral for conspiracy, fraud and obstruction, stemming from allegations that he tried to hide a romantic relationship with his bodyguard.The prosecution has identified the conclusion of a multi-year-old federal investigation in her 300-year history in the city’s first female mayor Cantarel.Her bodyguard, Jeffrey Vappi, has not blamed for not being guilty for allegations of wire fraud and making false statements. The prosecutors allege that Waypi, while presenting a false payroll record, hid a relationship with Cantarel, claiming that he was on duty. Waypi, who retired from the police department last year, has been scheduled to prosecute in January.Federal officials say Cantarel and WaPy exchanged encrypted messages through an app and later removed the conversation. Both have said that their relationship was strictly professional.Acting American Attorney Michael Simpson described the case as a “three -year fraud scheme, which we alleged that we exploit their public authority and positions.” He said that Cantrall arranged to participate in 14 trips for Vappi, claiming that they were “really alone” when they were “really alone”.The prosecution stated that in 2021, Cantarel and Wappy “developed a personal and intimate relationship” and allegedly used their public positions to hide it and create opportunities to spend time together. Simpson said the Cantral falsely claimed in the 2021 affidavit that his phone automatically removed the messages, when the function was activated only after media investigation in December 2022.After photographs taken by a private citizen showed Cantarel and Waipi Dining together and after drinking alcohol, Cantarel allegedly filed a police report and sought a preventive order.Cantarel will leave the office in January. His second term has been marked by clashes with members of the city council and a failed recall attempt has been made in 2022.Monet Brignac, spokesman of the city council president JP Moral, said, “This is a tragic day for the people of New Orleans.” “Our thoughts and prayers are with the Cantel family because they navigate through this difficult time.”Cantrall has not posted on its X account since July 15, when it reported that there has been a historic decline in crime in the city. Political observers note that their public profiles have decreased in recent months due to the disputes of the city council and ban on their executive powers approved by voters.Cantarel and his supporters argue that they have been incorrectly targeted as a black woman and placed on a separate standard than male authorities. Earlier this year, he received some remedies, which are “very derogatory, derogatory, unimaginable in some cases.”