A Mayor of Louisiana was arrested Tuesday for his alleged involvement in a drug trafficking investigation conducted by authorities in his home state.
Bogalusa Mayor Tyrin Truong, 25, was arrested and charged with involvement in transactions involving proceeds drug offencessolicitation of prostitutes and unauthorized use of movable property, which refers to the intentional taking or use of someone’s personal property without their consent.
“We have a zero-tolerance policy toward misconduct, especially by public officials,” Louisiana Attorney General Liz Murrill said. “I am very proud of all of our law enforcement agencies who worked on this investigation.”
The Louisiana State Police said its Narcotics and Violent Crime Task Force began an investigation in April 2024 into a drug trafficking organization (DTO) operating in the Bogalusa area.
Mayor Tyrin Truong of Bogalusa, La., was arrested for allegedly engaging in drug transactions and soliciting prostitutes. (Washington Parish Sheriff’s Office)
The operation was conducted over several months in collaboration with the 22nd Judicial District Court District Attorney’s Office, Murrill’s office and the Louisiana Department of Environmental Quality.
The investigation revealed that the DTO was allegedly involved in the distribution of opioids, high-grade marijuana, THC products and MDMA, among other controlled dangerous substances.
Investigators also learned that members of the organization were using social media platforms to distribute drugs and manage payments, allowing them to expand their reach and criminal activities, police said.
Profits from drug sales were reportedly used to purchase firearms, some of which were distributed to individuals prohibited by law from possessing a firearm, and others were related to violent crimes in the Bogalusa area.
NEW ORLEANS TERRORIST CHOOSE BOURBON STREET FOR MAXIMUM CARNAGE: TIMELINE
The mayor of Bogalusa, La., was arrested Tuesday following an investigation into a drug trafficking organization. (iStock)
Law enforcement officers obtained and executed multiple search and arrest warrants, leading to the arrest of seven alleged members of the organization.
Police also arrested 24-year-old MacKenzie Lynn Cefalu; 24-year-old De-Saleem Wali Pittman; 22-year-old Dirul S. Pittman; 26-year-old Salehal-Dien Malike Pittman; 51 year old Tonya Renee Stage; and 28-year-old Devan Michael Williams, all of Bogalusa.
Like Truong, the other six suspects were arrested for being involved in transactions involving proceeds from drug crimes.
In addition, Cefalu, Stage, Williams and D-Saleem Wali Pittman were charged with conspiracy to distribute a schedule I controlled dangerous substance, with the latter also charged with distribution of a schedule II controlled dangerous substance.
Feds Release New Photo of New Orleans Terrorist SHAMSUD-DIN JABBAR As FBI Seeks More Tips
Bogalusa City Hall (Google Maps)
All seven suspects were booked into the Washington Parish Jail.
State police said numerous other cases and individuals remain under investigation in connection with the investigation.
“We will continue to invest time and resources in helping the citizens of Bogalusa,” District Attorney Collin Sims said. “We’re not done yet.”
Truong’s bond was set at $150,000 Tuesday afternoon. FOX 8 in mint condition Orleans reported.
Truong’s office did not immediately respond to Fox News Digital’s request for comment on the matter.
CLICK TO DOWNLOAD THE FOX NEWS APP
At 23, Truong became mayor of Bogalusa in 2022, ousting city incumbent Wendy O’Quin Perrette, who was elected to her first term in 2014.
By winning the election, Truong became the city’s youngest mayor in history and one of Louisiana’s youngest mayors ever. NOLA.com reports this.
