A Democratic Party mayor in deep red Louisiana, Bogalusa Mayor Tyrin Truong, was arrested Tuesday, exactly two years after his inauguration, for his alleged role in a drug trafficking operation and misuse of public funds.
“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.”
The Louisiana State Police Narcotics and Violent Crime Task Force charged Truong, 25, with engaging in transactions involving proceeds from drug offenses, soliciting prostitutes, and unauthorized use of a movable.
Investigators allege he used city funds to rent an AirBnB for “entertainment with a prostitute” during a mayor’s conference in Atlanta.
Northshore District Attorney Collin Sims detailed Truong’s alleged crimes.
“This conduct is not going to be tolerated,” Sims said in an interview. “The citizens of Bogalusa deserve better and we’re not finished. We’re just getting started.”
The arrest stems from an investigation launched in April 2024 into a drug trafficking organization operating in the Bogalusa area.
According to state police, the group distributed opioids, high-grade marijuana, THC products, and MDMA through social media platforms, using online payment systems to expand their reach.
Investigators say profits from drug sales funded firearm purchases, with some weapons going to individuals legally prohibited from possessing them.
Several of these firearms were later linked to violent crimes in the Bogalusa area.
Police arrested six other Bogalusa residents in connection with the investigation: MacKenzie Lynn Cefalu, 24; De-Saleem Wali Pittman, 24; Dirul S. Pittman, 22; Salehal-Dien Malike Pittman, 26; Tonya Renee Stage, 51; and Devan Michael Williams, 28.
The mayor’s arrest follows earlier controversies in his administration. In July, the state’s Legislative Auditor’s Office claimed Truong made improper payments to employees and signed illegal contracts with vendors.
Truong, a Washington University graduate and former intern for U.S. Rep. Lacy Clay, won office in November 2022 at age 23, becoming the city’s youngest mayor and tying the state record for youngest mayor in Louisiana history. During his campaign, he promised to reverse the fortunes of the 10,000-person city near the Alabama border.
Former Bogalusa City Council President Kenny Kellis confirmed that recently elected Council President Gloria Kates will assume mayoral duties.
The court set Truong’s bond at $150,000. State police said numerous other matters and individuals remain under investigation in connection with the case. The 22nd Judicial District Court District Attorney’s Office, Attorney General’s office, and Louisiana Department of Environmental Quality continue to assist in the ongoing investigation.