Jeffery Vappie now the center of another investigation involving the mayor
Nov 13, 2024
Disclaimer: All persons are presumed innocent until proven guilty.
NEWS ORLEANS (WGNO) — Former New Orleans police officer and body guard for Mayor LaToya Cantrell, Jeffrey Vappie, is now the center of another investigation involving the mayor. Two new reports by the Public Integrity Bureau unveil Vappie drank alcohol with the mayor while on the job.
An anonymous source provided pictures to the Metropolitan Crime Commission showing Vappie and the mayor dining together, prompting the MCC to file a complaint with the Public Integrity Bureau who then launched an investigation.
The first report shows Vappie and Cantrell dining at Tableau, in the French Quarter, back in April of this year. Video also shows Vappie paying for the $154 dollar meal.
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A second complaint was filed by the Metropolitan Crime Commission after receiving another picture of the mayor and Vappie dining and drinking, this time at the Dorris Metropolitan, dating back to July of 2022.
Another investigation was launched revealing six sustained violations, confirming Vappie once again drank on duty with the mayor.
"He was basically being paid to date the mayor and entertain the mayor, and that is potentially wire fraud and payroll fraud, in that, because he's not performing his duties, that he's being compensated to perform as a police officer," Rafael Goyeneche with the Metropolitan Crime Commission said.
The reports combined reveal 13 potential rule violations against Vappie. Goyenche says they represent a second and now third investigation into Vappie.
Back in July, the former officer and bodyguard was indicted on wire fraud and payroll charges. He and the mayor have both denied their involvement in the crimes.
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"What we see is a continuing pattern now, at least spanning from July of 2022 through April of 2024, and we now see why officer Vappie elected to retire, because these investigations paint a very comprehensive picture of him being involved in a personal relationship with the mayor."
Investigators say they've made referrals to the United States Attorneys Office over the potential criminal violations. Whether or not Vappie will face charges remains to be seen, but as for Cantrell, Goyeneche says, it's just a matter of time.
"It's pretty obvious that they're also actively investigating the mayor. I suspect that it won't be a question of if, but when the mayor will be indicted."
Both reports reference Vappie's former wife's divorce petition, in which, she alleges the relationship between Vappie and the mayor may have actually started back in 2021.
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