With his first appearance before Judge Wendy Vitter on Wednesday, August 7, Jeffrey Vappie Jr., former NOPD executive security officer and close companion to Mayor LaToya Cantrell, is squarely under the thumb of federal prosecutors. Although Cantrell has not been indicted in Vappie’s case, she is under intense pressure for her own behavior which, according to sources, could lead to a separate indictment in the very near future. Vappie pleaded not guilty to wire fraud and lying to the FBI. Cantrell’s alleged problems focus on receiving cash and gifts from a city contractor.
There is much speculation about the potential fates of Vappie and Cantrell. The punishment rendered upon former Nashville Mayor Megan Barry and her paramour Robert Forrest might set the tone for what happens here in New Orleans. Neither Barry nor Forrest were sentenced to prison, but each paid fines commensurate with the amount of funds fraudulently received. Barry also resigned her position as mayor.
The federal government could be trying to pressure Vappie to “give up” Cantrell. If Cantrell was involved in any illegal activities, Vappie could well have knowledge about them, considering how much time the two spent together. Much of the personal communication uncovered by the government seems to suggest that Vappie and Cantrell have – or at least had – a very strong bond. Vappie might not be inclined to assist the government in making a case against Cantrell. Less cooperation usually means stiffer penalties for the accused. Yet it appears that the federal government could have built a strong enough case against Cantrell without his participation.
Vappie’s attorney Harry Rosenberg, a former US attorney, is thought to be a fan of plea bargains. Many look for Rosenberg to cut a deal on Vappie’s behalf that could entail a guilty plea and stiff fine but no jail time. Vappie did not sign all his time sheets personally which could make his prosecution a little more difficult.
If Cantrell is indicted – and that is still a big if – she too would have choices. The stress of a very public trial might be especially difficult for Cantrell and her family – especially her young daughter – to endure. More likely, Cantrell’s attorneys would seek a plea bargain that could include a large fine and her immediate resignation, but no jail time.
If Cantrell resigned unexpectedly, who would take over? The city charter addresses that issue by saying the New Orleans City Council votes on which of the two at-large members becomes interim mayor. For more specifics, please refer to Section 4-204 of the Home Rule Charter. If one year or more remains in the term, a special election will be called. If less than one year, the district councilmembers shall, by majority vote, elect one of the two councilmembers-at-large to be Mayor.
Though Council President Helena Moreno has been preparing to run for mayor, inheriting Cantrell’s staff and the administration’s many problems with little notice might not be Moreno’s first choice.
Council Vice President J.P. Morrell has repeatedly indicated he does not want to run for mayor, serving as interim mayor until the 2025 election might be in his future.
Of course, everything will remain as it is now if Cantrell is not indicted. Yet her expected indictment and potential resignation would bring new leadership to City Hall, not unlike Joe Biden’s decision to step aside from the presidential campaign.
Editor’s note: The article was updated at 9:49pm to correct an error regarding addressing a vacancy in the office of the mayor. Reference Section 4-204 of the City Charter was added.
