The mayor of New Orleans has been charged with conspiracy, fraud and obstruction of justice over allegations she used public funds to facilitate a romantic relationship with her bodyguard.

Prosecutors allege that in October 2021, Mayor LaToya Cantrell and Jeffrey Vappie, her bodyguard, developed a "personal, intimate relationship."

A federal grand jury on Friday indicted New Orleans Mayor LaToya Cantrell and New Orleans Police Department officer Jeffrey Vappie on criminal charges, alleging they defrauded the city by pursuing a personal relationship while Vappie was on duty.