Overview

• Cantrell arrived in federal court Wednesday for her first appearance since an 18-count superseding indictment and is expected to enter a plea.
• The case charges conspiracy to commit wire fraud, conspiracy to obstruct justice, making false statements, and false declarations before a grand jury.
• Acting U.S. Attorney Michael Simpson says the pair exchanged over 15,000 WhatsApp messages that included plans to delete evidence, mislead investigators, and intimidate a citizen.
• The indictment alleges at least 14 trips involving Cantrell and Jeffrey Vappie, with taxpayers covering more than $70,000 for Vappie’s travel, including a Napa winery day he logged as work.
• Vappie previously pleaded not guilty in 2024 and is due back in court Friday on added counts, while HUD suspended Cantrell from federal transactions on Sept. 3 and other city officials are handling contract signings.