Reaction continues to come in on the federal criminal indictment of New Orleans Mayor LaToya Cantrell. She’s accused in an 18-count federal indictment of bilking the city out of $70,000 for trips she took with former NOPD officer Jeffrey Vappie under the guise of security, when prosecutors allege the two were covering up a romantic relationship.
Louisiana Lieutenant Governor Billy Nungesser says Cantrell pressed her luck a little too far.
“I don’t wish evil on anyone, but you thumb your nose at the law and at the people you represent long enough and it’s going to catch up with you,” Nungesser said.
Nungesser says this is the latest example of Cantrell putting herself ahead of the interests of the city.
“Flying all over the country, flying first-class, misusing the apartment she has on Jackson Square, giving out contracts to people for the trash that aren’t in the trash business,” Nungesser said.
Cantrell has five months left in her term, and she cannot run for re-election since she’s term-limited. Nungesser says he does not envision Cantrell resigning at this point, and he hopes the people of New Orleans can elect someone who can serve as a reset at City Hall.
“I hope we can get through a hard term and get someone in there that wants to work for the greater good of the people,” Nungesser said.
Congressman Troy Carter says in a statement that the news of Cantrell’s indictment is a challenging moment for the city, and that it’s important that the focus remains on unity, stability and the work of serving the people of the city. He urged people not to celebrate anyone’s demise.
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