Cantrell is responding to a lawsuit filed by a woman who accused her of stalking

NEW ORLEANS (WVUE) – In a recent court filing, New Orleans Mayor LaToya Cantrell responded to a lawsuit filed by resident Anne Breaud. Earlier this year, Breaud took a photo of Cantrell eating with then-New Orleans police officer Jeffrey Vappie, who was part of the mayor's executive protection team at the time.

Cantrell later accused Breaud of stalking her and filed a protective order that included Breaud's personal information, such as her driver's license and Social Security number. In response, Breaud filed a federal lawsuit accusing Cantrell of violating her civil rights.

The lawsuit also names Cantrell's chief of staff, the city of New Orleans, the NOPD and three officers as defendants.

The latest court filing on behalf of Cantrell and the other defendants, excluding the NOPD, denies the allegations.

“Well, I guess it’s pretty normal food. “You basically have to deny everything for a variety of reasons,” said FOX 8 legal analyst Joe Raspanti.

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The answer contains a long list of objections. In what is called the “Fifth Defense,” the filing states: “Defendants expressly assert that they are entitled to the immunity afforded to public officials for discretionary actions under applicable state law.”

Raspanti added: “She also used the defense of being a public official.”

In the “Seventh Defense,” Cantrell's attorneys argued that “Plaintiff's injuries, losses or damages, as alleged, were caused solely by or to the fault, negligence and willful acts of Plaintiff Anne Breaud and parties other than plaintiff.” contributed.” Defendant.”

The filing also cites Louisiana laws that the defendants say support their objection to a jury trial, which caught Raspanti's attention.

“What struck me was that they objected to the motion for a jury trial. So it looks like they would rather appear in front of a judge than a jury,” Raspanti said.

He explained that there are various reasons why someone might prefer a judge over a jury. “It could be due to several things. First, you don't think the jury will agree with your point of view. Additionally, in complex litigation where the issues are more legal than factual, you may feel that a judge has a better understanding of the law and will ignore any negative facts.”

Breaud's attorney, Justin Schmidt, responded to the filing in a text message: “I have reviewed the defendant's response and affirmative defenses and see nothing earth-shattering or unexpected.” In fact, it appears to be the same standard response that the city uses in all of its responses when it is sued. Anne Breaud looks forward to asserting her claims in open court.”

FOX 8 has reached out to the mayor or city attorney for comment but has not heard back.

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