Bogalusa mayor among seven arrested on drug trafficking charges

Disclaimer: All persons are presumed innocent until proven guilty.

BOGALUSA, La. (WGNO) — Louisiana State Police announced the arrest of Bogalusa Mayor Tyrin Truong.

On Tuesday, Jan. 7, troopers said the 25-year-old, along with six others, were taken into custody following a comprehensive investigation into a drug trafficking organization that was operating in Bogalusa.

The arrests were the results of a joint investigation of the 22nd Judicial District Court District Attorney’s Office, the Louisiana Attorney General Liz Murrill’s Office, and the Louisiana Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ).

An investigation revealed the organization’s involvement in distributing various controlled dangerous substances including opioids, high-grade marijuana, THC products, and MDMA.

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Additionally, troopers report that the money made from drug sales were allegedly used to buy firearms for individuals prohibited from having them. Some of the weapons were reportedly linked to violent crimes in Bogalusa.

The following have been arrested and booked into the Washington Parish Jail:

• 25-year-old Tyrin Truong of Bogalusa, Mayor of Bogalusa

  • L.R.S. 40:1041: Transactions Involving Proceeds from Drug Offenses
  • L.R.S. 14:68: Unauthorized Use of a Moveable
  • L.R.S. 14:83: Soliciting for Prostitutes

• 24-year-old MacKenzie Lynn Cefalu of Bogalusa

  • L.R.S. 40:1041: Transactions Involving Proceeds from Drug Offenses
  • L.R.S. 40:979/966: Conspiracy to Distribute a Schedule I CDS

• 24-year-old De-Saleem Wali Pittman of Bogalusa

  • L.R.S. 40:1041: Transactions Involving Proceeds from Drug Offenses
  • L.R.S. 40:979/966: Conspiracy to Distribute a Schedule I CDS
  • L.R.S. 40:966A: Distribution of a Schedule II CDS

• 22-year-old Dirul S. Pittman of Bogalusa

  • L.R.S. 40:1041 Transactions Involving Proceeds from Drug Offenses

• 26-year-old Salehal-Dien Malike Pittman of Bogalusa

  • L.R.S. 40:1041 Transactions Involving Proceeds from Drug Offenses

• 51-year-old Tonya Renee Stage of Bogalusa

  • L.R.S. 40:1041 Transactions Involving Proceeds from Drug Offenses
  • L.R.S. 40:979/966 Conspiracy to Distribute a Schedule I CDS

• 28-year-old Devan Michael Williams of Bogalusa

  • L.R.S. 40:1041 Transactions Involving Proceeds from Drug Offenses
  • L.R.S. 40:979/966 Conspiracy to Distribute a Schedule I CDS

After posting a $150,000 bond, Truong was released shortly before 6:30 p.m. Tuesday night and greeted by a sea of his supporters. He declined to comment, walking past the cameras stationed outside the Washington Parish Jail in Franklinton.

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About half a dozen of them also gathered outside Bogalusa City Hall hours earlier as state troopers continued their investigation inside the building.

“I’m coming to show my support because he’s innocent,” said Hannah Morris, a supporter of mayor. “He’s not guilty of any charges, you know, and I’m going to back him to the end because he’s innocent.”

Truong is also being accused of soliciting for prostitutes. His supporters believe he’s being framed because of racial bias.

“Our city has so much racism, so much bigotry, so much hatred,” said Bogalusa attorney Tina Ratliff. “There’s such a division of white and black even in the areas that we live. There’s so much that it’s an embarrassment now.”

During a Tuesday press briefing in New Orleans, Louisiana Attorney General Liz Murrill said additional arrests are likely.

“It is an ongoing matter, and I think that you’ll continue to hear us address problems in the city of Bogalusa,” said Murrill.

Troung was elected in 2022 in a victory over former Mayor Wendy O’Quin Perrette.

Truong’s supporters credit him for reducing the city’s crime and providing resources for children.

“[If] we lose him, we’ve lost a good thing,” said Morris.

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On Wednesday morning, Jan. 7, Truong made posted a statement on the matter to his personal social media page”

Each morning since taking this job, I have recited the first three verses of Psalm 27 and today is no different. I love this scripture so much that it was forever etched on my arm back in college. When you’re cutting contracts, shutting down favors and exerting influence—shaking up things and exposing truths—you become a target. I pray that God reveals every person that had a hand in this, and there are many. I thank my family, friends and multitude of supporters for your outpouring of love. If you think I ran a drug operation (and all those other accusations), you’re sadly mistaken. Those who know me, KNOW me and I’ll let God and my attorney handle the rest!Bogalusa Mayor Tyrin Truong

WGNO reached out to a few members of the Bogalusa City Council. Councilwoman At-Large Penny Douglas replied via text message, “no comments.”

Lousiana State Police will head the investigation.

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