Bogalusa, Louisiana’s youngest mayor, 25-year-old Tyrin Truong, has been arrested and charged in connection with a comprehensive drug trafficking investigation.
The probe, which began in April 2024, was led by the Louisiana State Police Narcotics/Violent Crime Task Force.
According to the task force’s report, Truong, along with six other individuals, was directly involved in the distribution of various controlled dangerous substances, including opioids, high-grade marijuana, THC products, and MDMA, in the state of Louisiana.
Louisiana reported 2,456 drug-involved deaths in 2023 alone.
The investigation revealed that members of the drug trafficking organization utilized social media platforms to distribute controlled substances and manage payments, expanding their reach and criminal activity. Furthermore, profits from drug sales were used to purchase firearms, some of which were linked to violent crimes in the Bogalusa area.
Truong, who became the city’s youngest mayor in 2022 at just 22 years old, now faces charges of transactions involving proceeds from drug offenses, unauthorized use of a movable, and soliciting for prostitutes. Six other individuals were also arrested and face charges, including cash transactions involving drug offenses and conspiracy.
All seven individuals were booked at the Washington Parish Jail, but Truong has since met bail and is out on a $150,000 bond. Louisiana Attorney General Liz Murrill emphasized the state’s zero-tolerance policy for wrongdoing, especially among public officials, stating, “We have zero tolerance for wrongdoing, especially, from public officials”.
District Attorney Collin Sims vowed to continue investigating, saying, “We’re not finished… We’re going to invest time and resources into helping the citizens of Bogalusa.”
Truong, meanwhile, has issued a statement on Facebook, posting a black-and-white photo of himself with the caption, “Joy comes in the morning”.
