Officials allege she defrauded the city while trying to keep hidden her relationship with a police officer assigned to protect her.

A federal grand jury returned a criminal indictment Friday of New Orleans Mayor LaToya Cantrell, capping a years-long corruption investigation that had overshadowed the mayor's second term.

The mayor of New Orleans and her bodyguard have been charged with fraud and corruption over claims they used public funds to fuel an alleged romance. Prosecutors said on Friday that LaToya Cantrell developed a "personal, intimate relationship" with Jeffrey Vappie from October 2021, while he was part of her protection team.