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New Orleans Mayor LaToya Cantrell will appear in federal court Wednesday to face charges of conspiracy, fraud, and obstruction related to an alleged years-long scheme to conceal a romantic relationship with her bodyguard, Jeffrey Vappie, using taxpayer funds. Vappie has also been indicted. The indictment details lavish trips and thousands of WhatsApp messages between the two. Cantrell, the city's first female mayor, faces these charges just months before leaving office and has been suspended from federal transactions by HUD. This adds to the ongoing controversy surrounding her administration, amid accusations of double standards due to her race and gender.

Prepared by Lauren Mitchell and reviewed by editorial team.