Bogalusa Mayor Tyrin Truong Arrested in Drug, Prostitution Sting

BOGALUSA, La. — Bogalusa Mayor Tyrin Truong was arrested Tuesday morning in connection with a drug and prostitution investigation led by Louisiana State Police. Truong, along with six others, faces charges including transactions involving proceeds from drug offenses, soliciting for prostitutes, and unauthorized use of a moveable. The arrests followed a months-long investigation into a drug trafficking organization operating in the city.

Louisiana State Police confirmed that the investigation began in April after authorities uncovered a drug trafficking network distributing opioids, high-grade marijuana, THC products, and MDMA. The organization allegedly used social media to facilitate drug sales and payments, with some proceeds used to purchase firearms. State Police noted that some of these weapons were given to individuals prohibited from owning guns or linked to violent crimes in Bogalusa.

Among those arrested were 24-year-old MacKenzie Lynn Cefalu, 24-year-old De-Saleem Wali Pittman, 22-year-old Dirul S. Pittman, 26-year-old Salehal-Dien Malike Pittman, 51-year-old Tonya Renee Stage, and 28-year-old Devan Michael Williams. All suspects were booked into the Washington Parish Jail.

State Police described the unauthorized use of a moveable as the act of taking someone else’s personal property without their permission, knowledge, or consent. Truong, who was elected mayor in 2022, has not yet issued a public statement regarding the charges. A news conference is scheduled for 11:30 a.m. to address the arrests.

WDSU reached out to the City of Bogalusa, Truong, and the Bogalusa Police Department for comment but has not received a response. This is a developing story.