Tyrin Truong, the 25-year-old mayor of Bogalusa, Louisiana, was arrested Tuesday for his alleged involvement in a drug trafficking operation. Authorities have charged Truong with engaging in transactions involving drug proceeds, solicitation of prostitution, and unauthorized use of a movable—a legal term for unlawfully using another person’s property without their consent.
“We have zero tolerance for wrongdoing, especially from public officials,” Louisiana Attorney General Liz Murrill said. “I’m very proud of all our law enforcement agencies who worked on this investigation.”
Months-long operation targets drug-trafficking network
The Louisiana State Police Narcotics and Violent Crime Task Force initiated the investigation into a drug-trafficking organization (DTO) operating in the Bogalusa area in April 2024. The operation, conducted in collaboration with the 22nd Judicial District Court District Attorney’s Office, the Attorney General’s office, and the Louisiana Department of Environmental Quality, uncovered extensive criminal activities.
Authorities allege the DTO was responsible for distributing opioids, high-grade marijuana, THC products, and MDMA, among other controlled substances. Investigators also discovered that the group used social media platforms to coordinate drug sales and payments, allowing the organization to expand its criminal reach.
Profits from the illicit drug sales were allegedly used to purchase firearms, some of which ended up in the hands of individuals prohibited by law from possessing them. Several of these weapons were linked to violent crimes in the Bogalusa area.
Multiple arrests and ongoing investigation
Law enforcement executed numerous search and arrest warrants, resulting in the apprehension of seven suspects, including Truong. The other individuals arrested include:
- MacKenzie Lynn Cefalu, 24
- De-Saleem Wali Pittman, 24
- Dirul S. Pittman, 22
- Salehal-Dien Malike Pittman, 26
- Tonya Renee Stage, 51
- Devan Michael Williams, 28
Like Truong, the six other suspects face charges related to engaging in transactions involving proceeds from drug offenses. Additional charges, including conspiracy to distribute controlled substances, were filed against Cefalu, Stage, Williams, and De-Saleem Wali Pittman.
All suspects were booked into the Washington Parish Jail, and the investigation remains ongoing. “We are going to continue to invest time and resources into helping the citizens of Bogalusa,” District Attorney Collin Sims said. “We are not finished.”
Truong’s rise and fall
Truong, who became Bogalusa’s youngest mayor at age 23 in 2022, made history when he defeated incumbent Wendy O’Quin Perrette, who had served since 2014. His election was seen as a fresh start for the city, but the recent allegations have cast a shadow over his tenure.
Truong’s bond was set at $150,000, according to FOX 8 in New Orleans. His office has yet to comment on the charges. The investigation has highlighted ongoing issues of public corruption and drug-related violence in the region, with authorities pledging to pursue additional leads.
