New Orleans' Dem Mayor Latoya Cantrell says she's facing federal probe because of her RACE after spending $30k on first class flights then saying economy was unsafe for black people

New Orleans Mayor Latoya Cantrell has suggested that she's facing a federal probe over $29,000 worth of first class flights upgrades because of her race. 

Cantrell, 51, was charged by the Louisiana Board of Ethics for using premium upgrades for 15 flights over a two year time frame.

The charges fell under a state ethics law which prohibits officials from receiving anything of value for their public duties. 

At a press conference Wednesday, Cantrell addressed what she called 'investigations or targeting' which she said is 'prevalent relative to black leadership'. 

'When I came in, even being elected mayor - even prior to that on City council -  I have been the center of countless investigations,' the mayor said. 

'I have always complied and that's what I'll continue to do. I do note that this seems to be kind of prevalent relative to black leadership, and I think that I'm not exempt from that. 

'But relative to investigations, I have been in them, I have been through them and I will continue to comply whenever they come, that's all I'll say on that.'

Cantrell added that she has 'no idea what's going on' regarding the investigation and is 'definitely not in favor' of the charges brought against her. 

The politician also previously claimed her upgrades were not for luxury but for her health and safety - citing the threat of COVID and 'the world black women walk in'.

She finally reimbursed the city $28,856 for the 13 domestic flights and two international trips to Europe that she upgraded in October of last year.

'Anyone who wants to question how I protect myself just doesn’t understand the world black women walk in,' Mayor Cantrell previously said in a statement. 

Cantrell said she stands by her claims 'all day long' - despite ultimately reimbursing the $29,000.

'As all women know, our health and safety are often disregarded and we are left to navigate alone,' Cantrell said.

'As the mother of a young child whom I live for, I am going to protect myself by any reasonable means in order to ensure I am there to see her grow into the strong woman I am raising her to be.'

But councilmembers didn't buy these excuses and had threatened to dock her pay in the 2023 budget to recover the funds.

Her flight upgrade for a trip to Nice, France - where she attended a jazz festival and a French National Day celebration - cost a whopping $12,988 on top of the base fare of $4,666, according to court documents.

Cantrell spent $2,352 of state money on a first-class upgrade for her domestic flight from New Orleans to San Francisco - a five hour journey.

The under-fire mayor was already in hot water after admitting to living in a city-owned apartment in the city's French Quarter rent-free, that lies only three miles from her $500,000 Broadmoor home. 

The reimbursement - which was paid by the Democrat mayor about a year ago - came after weeks of controversy and the case will likely go before the Ethics Adjudicatory Board.

Cantrell could face a $10,000 fine for using state money for her luxurious travel arrangements.

Public officials are required to seek the cheapest possible travel options - and pay the difference out of their personal finances if they opt for more expensive choices.

'We believe both the mayor and the administration have appropriately addressed the travel issue and will respond to the ethics complaint in due course,' Cantrell’s spokesperson John Lawson said previously. 

This isn't the first time the Democratic lawmaker has come under fire for her behavior - having been exposed for forcing her bodyguards to hold her purse, do her shopping and take her daughter to the hairdresser in March of this year. 

Cantrell's behavior was laid bare after the police launched an internal probe into officer Jeffrey Vappie after he was found spending time with the married mother-of-one at her grace and favor apartment in the exclusive French Quarter. 

Bodyguards who spoke to the New Orleans Police Department as part of the investigation into Vappie, described Cantrell as a fiery, demanding boss who was overly familiar with her security detail, expecting them to act as her servants.

Kristy Johnson-Stokes, an officer that worked with Cantrell, told investigators they would be asked to pick her daughter up from school, take her credit card to buy gifts from the department store and water her plants. 

Cantrell was filmed earlier this year yelling and flipping the bird at riders on a Mardi Gras parade float.

The short clip shows the Democratic leader cheering from stands at Gallier Hall downtown, appearing to cheer on in support of the Krewe of Tucks parade before raising her middle finger to the crowd.

The mayor appears to shout at the floats passing by her: 'I love you. God bless you. I'll see you. Happy Mardi Gras. Enjoy your ride. So glad your ride was good. Love you.'

It is unclear exactly what provoked Cantrell's rude reaction and a statement from the mayor's office said: 'Mardi Gras is a time where satire and jest are on full display. The city has been enjoying a safe and healthy Carnival and is looking forward to continuing the celebration on Lundi Gras and Mardi Gras.'