New Orleans Mayor LaToya Cantrell referred to an investigation into alleged time sheet irregularities by a police officer on her executive protection team as a "witch hunt," but at the same time said it is an investigation "we can stand by" and said she has been "very supportive" of the investigation.
"I think that the investigation that has been ongoing is one that we can stand by," said Cantrell. "One that has been thorough, even one that I would classify as a witch hunt."
The Public Integrity Bureau of the New Orleans Police Department has been investigating officer Jeffrey Vappie and the hours he logged working as part of the mayor's protection detail. A recording of investigators interviewing Vappie leaked to the public when the New Orleans City Attorney handed a flash drive containing the recording to a HANO board member.
"I’m going to lean on the investigation of the PIB," the mayor said, "It’s very clear there was no wrongdoing, relative to any involvement with officer Vappie."
