That indictment, returned at the federal courthouse Friday, accuses Cantrell of 11 counts including wire fraud, conspiracy to obstruct justice and lying to a federal grand jury in pursuit of continuing her amorous relationship with her alleged beau, former New Orleans Police Department officer Jeffrey Vappie.

Mayor LaToya Cantrell's indictment has thrown New Orleans into uncharted political territory, just months before voters pick her successor. Why it matters: The indictment deepens a crisis of confidence in City Hall,

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.