NEW ORLEANS — New Orleans Mayor LaToya Cantrell is asking the court to issue a stay of her case against a former neighbor, who took a picture of Cantrell as she ate on a restaurant balcony with her former police bodyguard Jeffery Vappie.

NEW ORLEANS (WVUE) - The City of New Orleans released a statement Monday emphasizing that city services remain operational and Mayor LaToya Cantrell is continuing her daily duties despite her recent federal indictment.

Stephanie Grace, editorial director and columnist for The Times-Picayune and The Advocate, joined Louisiana Considered to break down the charges and discuss what lies ahead for the mayor.

New Orleans Mayor LaToya Cantrell was indicted by a federal grand jury, becoming the first mayor to face federal charges while still in office.

LaToya Cantrell is the first sitting mayor of New Orleans to come under federal indictment. One law professor says it is very unlikely Cantrell will still be in office if or when her trial begins.

Friday's indictment of New Orleans Mayor LaToya Cantrell was huge news, but it wasn't a surprise, Faimon Robertst writes. Even before she was mentioned in another indictment, her arrogance led her astray.

It’s irritating for her and her supporters, but that’s the best strategy for her from a legal standpoint,” WWL Louisiana Political Analyst Clancy DuBos said.

“This is the first time that a sitting mayor has actually been indicted by federal or state charges,” said former Assistant U.S. Attorney Matt Coman, who successfully prosecuted former Mayor Ray Nagin in 2014 in a case that proved Nagin received tens of thousands of dollars in bribes.