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.

A federal grand jury returned a criminal indictment Friday against New Orleans Mayor LaToya Cantrell, accusing the mayor of pursuing an illicit affair with her police bodyguard on taxpayers’ dime, then lying to federal officials and deleting evidence to hide the relationship.

New Orleans Congressman Troy Carter said he understands the city is shaken by Mayor LaToya Cantrell's federal indictment on corruption charges, but Carter said he remains focused on doing his part to advance its residents' priorities during the uncertainty at City Hall. Cantrell's was indicted Friday by a federal grand jury on 18 counts.