Grand jury could hand up indictments in Cantrell, Vappie case as soon as today

A federal grand jury is reportedly set to meet today in New Orleans, and law enforcement analysts believe that they could be close to completing work on a possible case against Mayor LaToya Cantrell and her former NOPD bodyguard, Jeffrey Vappie.

One of those analysts believes recent actions by federal investigators are signs that the grand jury will consider the case.

"The mayor has hired a criminal defense attorney," Metropolitan Crime Commission CEO Rafael Goyeneche told WWL's Newell Normand. "Officer Vappie was reported to have hired a criminal defense attorney."

Goyeneche says the fact that both Cantrell and Vappie have retained counsel is a sign that federal investigators are close to seeking grand jury indictments. Goyeneche also says federal investigators' subpoenas are the telltale signs of the Justice Department is close to seeking charges.

"This has been going on for two years, and I believe this subpoena is an indication that the government has received approval from main Justice to conduct this," Goyeneche said. "This case is ripening and moving towards indictment.

According to Goyeneche, federal investigators will have to make a move soon if they want the case to proceed.

"You cannot keep an investigation open indefinitely," Goyeneche said. "Anytime that the local U. S. Attorney's Office is conducting an investigation and potentially presenting information to a grand jury involving high-profile public officials, they have to get the blessing of main justice."

Goyeneche says he expects Vappie to face charges related to allegations that he committed payroll fraud, specifically for "not performing official police department duties while he was on the clock for the city of New Orleans." Goyeneche was more vague on what he believed could be in store for Cantrell.

"I think it's very likely that it won't be just Officer Vappie," Goyeneche said. "I think there's a strong likelihood that the mayor may have some problems, as well."

Vappie was allegedly billing tax payers when spending private time with the mayor.  In divorce papers, Vappie's wife claimed he and Cantrell were having an affair.