New Orleans mayor indicted over allegations of trying to hide relationship with bodyguard

New Orleans Mayor LaToya Cantrell has been indicted on federal conspiracy, fraud, and obstruction charges, accused of concealing a romantic relationship with her bodyguard, Jeffrey Vappie, and misusing public funds for personal trips and meetings. Prosecutors allege the pair falsified payroll records, exchanged encrypted messages to avoid detection, and deleted communications. Vappie, also indicted, has pleaded not guilty and faces trial in January. Cantrell, term-limited and leaving office in January, denies wrongdoing and claims she has been unfairly targeted, CNN has reported. The indictment follows a long federal investigation that has further weakened her political standing during a turbulent second term.