Bogalusa, Louisiana, a city already struggling with drug-related violence, was rocked this week by the arrest of its youngest-ever mayor, 25-year-old Tyrin Truong.
Truong, a Democrat hailed as a rising star after defeating long-time Mayor Wendy Perrette in 2022, now faces multiple criminal charges, including drug trafficking, unauthorized use of a moveable, and soliciting prostitution — all allegedly involving taxpayer funds.
The Louisiana State Police Narcotics/Violent Crime Task Force announced Tuesday that its investigation into a local drug trafficking ring led to the arrest of Truong and six others.
“On Tuesday, Jan 7, 2025, at approximately 8:30 AM, Bogalusa Mayor Tyrin Truong was booked into the Washington Parish Jail on one count of soliciting for prostitutes, one count of unauthorized use of a movable, and two counts of transactions involving proceeds from drug offenses. No bail has been set at this time,” the Washington Parish Sheriff’s Office announced.
Authorities allege that the organization distributed opioids, high-grade marijuana, THC products, and MDMA, using social media platforms to coordinate sales and payments.
According to the news release, “In April 2024, the Louisiana State Police Narcotics/Violent Crime Task Force (NVCTF) initiated a comprehensive investigation into a Drug Trafficking Organization (DTO) operating in the Bogalusa area. This joint operation, conducted over several months in collaboration with 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) revealed the DTO’s involvement in the distribution of various Controlled Dangerous Substances (CDS), including opioids, high-grade marijuana, THC products, and MDMA.”
“Investigators uncovered that members of the DTO were utilizing social media platforms to distribute CDS and manage payments, further expanding their reach and criminal activity. The investigation also determined that profits from drug sales were used to purchase firearms. Some of these firearms were funneled to individuals prohibited from legal possession, while others were linked to violent crimes in the Bogalusa area.”
Disturbingly, profits from these illegal activities were reportedly used to purchase firearms, some of which ended up in the hands of individuals prohibited from owning weapons and were linked to violent crimes in the region, CBS News reported.
Truong is accused of not only participating in these illegal activities but also using his position and public funds for personal gratification, according to Daily Mail.
According to Northshore District Attorney Collin Sims, Truong rented an Airbnb in Atlanta during a mayoral conference and “organized entertainment with a prostitute” using taxpayer money.
“This conduct is not going to be tolerated,” Sims said. “The citizens of Bogalusa deserve better, and we’re not finished. We’re just getting started.”
On Tuesday evening, Truong was released from jail, according to WWLTV.
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