NEW ORLEANS (WGNO) — The Metropolitan Crime Commission is requesting the New Orleans Police Department’s Public Integrity Bureau to investigate after receiving photos of Jeffrey Vappie and Mayor LaToya Cantrell eating at a French Quarter restaurant.
In a letter from MCC President Rafael Goyeneche addressed to NOPD PIB Deputy Chief Keith Sanchez, it’s alleged that Vappie and Cantrell were seen eating on the balcony of a St. Peter Street restaurant on Sunday, April 7, with wine glasses on the table.
The letter states that Vappie, Cantrell’s executive protection unit member, was reportedly on duty during the weekend the photos were taken. However, Goyeneche states, “It is unclear if Officer Vappie was performing any executive protection duties and, if so, whether he consumed any alcohol.”
In response to the photos, the MCC is requesting the NOPD PIB investigate whether Vappie was complying with the NOPD’s policies and procedures on the weekend the photos were taken.
In the investigation, the MCC is requesting the following questions to be answered:
- “Was it consistent with Executive Protection Unit training and protocols for Officer Vappie to dine with his protectee on the balcony of a restaurant?”
- “Was Officer Vappie on duty at the time the picture was taken on April 7th?”
- “If so, did Officer Vappie have permission from his supervisor to dine at Tableau with Mayor
- Cantrell?”
- “Did Officer Vappie consume alcohol while at Tableau on April 7th?”
- “Who paid for the meal?”
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