New Orleans Mayor LaToya Cantrell has taken legal action to protect herself and her family by filing a temporary restraining order against a woman accused of stalking her.
According to documents from the Orleans Parish Civil District Court, Cantrell alleges that Anne Breaud has been engaging in aggressive behavior, including taking photos and videos of her over the past two years.
One incident cited in the documents occurred in April 2024 when Breaud allegedly photographed Cantrell dining on a restaurant balcony and proceeded to capture additional footage of her vehicle.
Cantrell expressed concerns for her safety, stating that Breaud’s actions have put her and her family at risk.
The mayor’s request for the restraining order comes after photos of her dining with Jeffrey Vappie, a New Orleans police officer and member of her security team, went viral.
Vappie has been placed on administrative leave pending an investigation into the incident.
While Vappie was not mentioned in Cantrell’s protective order request, questions have been raised about his professionalism and work ethic by the Metropolitan Crime Commission, a police watchdog group.
However, Breaud has denied submitting any photos or videos to the media.
The restraining order prohibits Breaud from coming within 100 yards of the mayor, her residence, or city hall, as well as prohibiting any contact with Cantrell or her family.
Judge Paulette Iron approved the request for a ten-day period, with a hearing scheduled for May 20.
Legal analyst Joe Raspanti has raised concerns about the validity of the restraining order, suggesting that being photographed comes with the territory of being a public figure.
Vappie has faced previous controversies regarding his conduct while on duty, including a reprimand from the NOPD’s Public Integrity Bureau in 2023 and allegations of an affair with Cantrell, which both parties have denied.
