The charges, released on Friday against LaToya Cantrell, stem from accusations that she tried to conceal a romantic relationship with bodyguard Jeffrey Vappie, who was paid as if on duty while the pair conducted their affair.

 The indictment states that Cantrell and Vappie “developed a personal and intimate relationship” in 2021, defrauding the city as they attempted to “hide their relationship and maximize their time together.” Acting United States Attorney Michael Simpson said the pair met in an apartment while Vappie claimed to be on duty, and that Cantrell arranged for Vappie to accompany her on 14 trips. The trips, which included wine tasting at vineyards, were described by her as occasions “when they were truly alone,” said Simpson.

 He called the affair a “three-year fraud scheme that we allege exploited their public authority and positions.” Cantrell allegedly lied in an affidavit, claiming she had activated a function on her phone that automatically deleted messages in 2021, when in fact she had not enabled the feature until December 2022, one month after media outlets began speculating about the pair’s conduct.

 When a private citizen took photos of the two dining together and drinking wine, Cantrell filed a police report and sought a restraining order, Simpson added. The mayor’s office did not immediately comment. “This is a sad day for the people of New Orleans,” said Monet Brignac, a spokesperson for City Council President JP Morrell.

 Vappie is accused of concealing his romantic relationship with Cantrell and submitting false payroll records claiming he was on duty. He has pleaded not guilty following his indictment on charges of wire fraud and making false statements. Cantrell, the city’s first female mayor, is term-limited and will leave office in January. (Aljazeera)