New Orleans Mayor LaToya Cantrell was indicted Friday in what prosecutors called a yearslong scheme to hide a romantic relationship with her bodyguard, who is accused of being paid as if he was working even when they met alone in apartments and traveled to vineyards for wine tasting.

Months before New Orleans Mayor LaToya Cantrell was set to leave office, she has been indicted in what prosecutors allege was a yearslong scheme to conceal a romantic relationship with her bodyguard.

Public officials and political watchers lamented the harsh spotlight on New Orleans after Mayor LaToya Cantrell was indicted by a federal grand jury.