One of Louisiana’s youngest mayors arrested in connection with drug trafficking investigation
AND mayor of Louisiana was arrested on Tuesday in connection with an alleged drug-trafficking investigation by authorities in his home country.
Bogalusa Mayor Tyrin Truong, 25, was arrested and charged with engaging in transactions involving the proceeds of drug crimesinducing prostitution and unauthorized use of personal property, which refers to the intentional taking or use of personal belongings without their consent.
“We have zero tolerance for wrongdoing, especially by public officials,” said Louisiana Attorney General Liz Murrill. “I am very proud of all of our law enforcement agencies who worked on this investigation.”
Louisiana State Police said their Narcotics and Violent Crime Task Force launched an investigation into a drug trafficking organization (DTO) that operated in the Bogalusa area in April 2024.
Mayor Tyrin Truong of Bogalusa, La., was arrested for allegedly participating in drug transactions and procuring prostitutes. (Washington Parish Sheriff’s Office)
The operation was conducted over several months in cooperation with the 22nd District Attorney’s Office, Murrill’s office and the Louisiana Department of Environmental Quality.
The investigation found that 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 used social media platforms to distribute drugs and manage payments, allowing them to expand their reach and criminal activities, police said.
Profits from the sale of drugs were allegedly used to purchase firearms, part of which was distributed to persons who are prohibited by law from possessing weapons, and others are connected to violent crimes in the area of Bogalusa.
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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 Cefala; 24-year-old De-Saleem Wali Pittman; 22-year-old Dirul S. Pittman; 26-year-old Salehal-Dien Malika Pittman; 51-year-old Tonya Renee Stage; and 28-year-old Devan Michael Williams, all of Bogalus.
Like Truong, the other six suspects were arrested for their involvement in transactions involving drug proceeds.
In addition, Cefalu, Stage, Williams and D-Saleem Wali Pittman were charged with conspiracy to distribute a Schedule I dangerous substance, the latter also charged with distribution of a Schedule II dangerous substance.
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Bogalusa City Hall (Google Maps)
All seven suspects were booked into the Washington Parish Jail.
State police said numerous other matters and individuals remain under investigation in connection with the investigation.
“We will continue to invest time and resources in helping the citizens of Bogalusa,” said District Attorney Collin Sims. “We’re not done.”
Truong’s bond was set at $150,000 Tuesday afternoon, FOX 8 in Novi Orleans reported.
Truong’s office did not immediately respond to Fox News Digital’s request for comment on the matter.
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At age 23, Truong became mayor of Bogalusa in 2022, replacing the current mayor, 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, as well as one of Louisiana’s youngest mayors ever. NOLA.com reports.
