Bogalusa mayor among seven arrested on drug trafficking allegation following investigation

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 operating in Bogalusa.

The arrests were the results of a joint investigation including 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.

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.

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

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

Lousiana State Police will head the investigation.

“We have zero tolerance for wrongdoing, especially, from public officials. I’m very proud of all of our law enforcement agencies who worked on this investigation," said Louisiana Attorney General Liz Murrill.

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