Cantrell is under fire for an alleged relationship with a married New Orleans cop. Cantrell traveled first class, while Vappie was relegated to fly coach, according to Fox 8.
Embattled New Orleans Mayor LaToya Cantrell is being probed for an alleged affair with a local cop who billed taxpayers $14,000 to accompany her on a recent trip to Dubai, according to a report.
FBI officials are investigating time Cantrell spent with NOPD officer Jeffrey Vappie at a private apartment both on and off the clock — a relationship that reportedly led to the dissolution of his marriage, according to Fox 8.
Cantrell took Vappie — her official security guard prior to his removal — to a “climate action” gathering in Dubai in December.
While a mayoral group footed most of Cantrell’s $24,000 tab, Louisiana taxpayers funded Vappie’s airfare, hotel and other expenses totaling $14,000, according to the outlet.
They were the only members of the New Orleans delegation.
Local outlets first reported on their alleged affair in November, prompting Vappie’s wife to file for divorce and directly allege a sexual relationship between Cantrell and the city cop.
The officer admitted the adulterous activity to his former spouse, court papers state.
Cantrell and Vappie were caught on camera frequenting a city-owned apartment. fox8live
Both parties have denied trysting at a city-owned apartment — despite video surveillance showing them entering and exiting the residence together at all hours.
Cantrell has forcefully denied the reports on several occasions.
“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,” she said at a press conference this month after being asked about Vappie. “Both genders and all pronouns.”
Vappie remains a New Orleans cop but has been removed from Cantrell’s security detail in the controversy’s wake.
Both Cantrell and Vappie have been barred from using the Upper Pontalba residence since footage of their entries and exits came to light.
Cantrell — New Orleans’ first female mayor in its 300-year history — was first elected in 2017 and re-elected in 2021.
The Democrat has previously come under fire from local outlets for making personal purchases on city credit card accounts.
