Less than a week after pleading not guilty to a sweeping federal indictment, Mayor LaToya Cantrell has filed a formal request to travel to Iceland for a family vacation in October. The move has stirred controversy, given that Cantrell surrendered her passport and is currently under court-ordered travel restrictions tied to her pending criminal case.
⚖️ Legal Context
Cantrell was indicted on September 10 on multiple federal charges, including:
• Conspiracy
• Wire fraud
• Obstruction of justice
• False statements
• False declaration before a grand jury
The charges stem from allegations that Cantrell and her former NOPD bodyguard, Jeffrey Vappie, misrepresented personal trips as official city business, defrauding taxpayers of more than $70,000. Prosecutors claim the trips—spanning destinations like Martha’s Vineyard, Napa Valley, and Scotland—were part of a personal relationship between the two, which both deny.
✈️ Iceland Trip Details
According to court documents, Cantrell is seeking permission to travel from October 7 to October 13. Her legal team emphasized that she would comply with all bond conditions, and both her pretrial services officer and Assistant U.S. Attorney Jordan Ginsberg have stated they do not object to the request.
A judge has since granted the motion, allowing Cantrell to temporarily retrieve her passport for the trip.
🗣️ Public Reaction
The request has sparked mixed reactions across New Orleans. Critics argue that international travel during a federal investigation sends the wrong message, while supporters say the mayor is entitled to personal time with her family—especially with court approval.
Political analysts note that Cantrell is the first sitting mayor in New Orleans history to face federal criminal charges, and her trial is scheduled to begin on November 17.
As Cantrell prepares for her Iceland getaway, the city watches closely. With a high-stakes trial looming and public trust on the line, every move—from courtroom to departure gate—is under scrutiny.