New Orleans Mayor LaToya Cantrell pleaded not guilty Wednesday to federal corruption charges tied to a reported romantic affair with her bodyguard.

Cantrell, a Democrat and the city’s first female mayor, is facing conspiracy, fraud and obstruction charges for what prosecutors describe as a yearsong scheme to conceal an affair between Cantrell and her bodyguard, Jeffrey Vappie, as the two traveled, wined and dined together using public funds.

LaToya Cantrell pleads not guilty

Cantrell appeared in court Wednesday to enter her plea. It’s the first time she’s appeared in court since she was indicted on 18 charges last month , but she has appeared at public events, including the recent commemoration of the 20th anniversary of Hurricane Katrina.

Cantrell remained silent as she walked into

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